Johnny Tillotson's artistic ability and energetic personality have consistently delighted audiences of all age groups. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he was given the responsibility to take care of his grandmother in Palatka, Florida, at the age of nine. He would travel back to Jacksonville to be with his parents each summer, where he began to perform at local functions and on the radio with the encouragement of his mother and grandmother.
By the time he entered Palatka Sr. High School, Johnny had built a reputation as a talented singer throughout the state of Florida. His first television appearance was as a guest on the "Toby Dowdy Show", which led to a three-year contract as a regular on the country-oriented show. When "The Toby Dowdy Show" ended, Johnny had the opportunity to do his own show, while also studying at the University of Florida.
During his time at the University of Florida, Johnny began writing songs. In 1957, a local disc jockey submitted a tape of Johnny's singing to the National Pet Milk Talent Contest, where he was chosen as one of the six national winners. This led to an opportunity to perform on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee, where he received his biggest break.
Lee Rosenberg, a Nashville music publisher, was impressed with Johnny and took his tape to Archie Bleyer, the owner of Cadence Records. Archie recorded Johnny singing his own composition, "Dreamy Eyes", which went to the top of the charts in Florida and many other parts of the country. This proved to Archie that Johnny had what it took to sell records, and he invited Johnny to move to New York City immediately upon graduating from college.
This marked the start of a string of chart records, including "Poetry In Motion", "It Keeps Right On A Hurtin", "Without You", "Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On", and many more. "It Keeps Right On A Hurtin", one of Johnny's own compositions, brought him his first Grammy nomination, along with the distinction of becoming one of the first "cross-over" artists.
Johnny went on to have a very successful concert career, entertaining audiences all over the world. He recorded 18 chart records, including "Talk Back Trembling Lips", "Heartaches By The Number", and "She Understands Me", among others. His hits and endearing personality and stage presence have enabled him to have a very successful concert career, entertaining audiences all over the world.
