Johnny Tillotson, the beloved singer known for his iconic 1960s hit “Poetry in Motion,” has passed away at the age of 86. His wife, Nancy, shared the heartbreaking news on social media the day after he died, revealing he had been dealing with Parkinsonism.
In her emotional post, Nancy wrote, “It is with a broken heart that I let you know the sweetest, kindest man I ever met, Johnny Tillotson, left earth for Heaven yesterday. He was my best beloved, Champion of my realm, Knight of my heart.” She fondly recalled how meeting him felt like a fairy tale, highlighting his humor, generosity, and genuine kindness.
Nancy further expressed gratitude for the love and support that Johnny received from his fans, saying, “As he once said, they made every dream I ever had come true. Thank you for that.”
The post also reflected on Johnny’s impressive career and his dedication to music. He leaves behind his wife Nancy, their son and daughter-in-law, a stepdaughter, along with several grandchildren and family members. She concluded with a heartfelt sentiment, stating that he would be missed every single day.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Tillotson began his artistic journey at a young age, performing locally and even on the radio. He later attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in Journalism and Communications. It was during this time that he started writing songs, leading to a major breakthrough when a DJ submitted his work to a talent contest. This pivotal moment connected him with a record label that launched his singing career.
Johnny Tillotson became renowned for other hits as well, including “Talk Back Trembling Lips,” “You Can Never Stop Me Loving You,” and “It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin’,” which was later covered by renowned artists like Elvis Presley. His talent earned him two Grammy nominations.
Just days before his passing, he released a new song titled “Everything I Touch Turns to Blue,” showcasing that his artistic spirit remained vibrant until the end.
