Mel tillis is a bona fide entertainment legend having conquered the worlds of country music, television and film. Yet his strength remains his amazing songwriting catalogue. During the 1970"s mel posted 20 us top 5 country hits, seven of which went to number one! úFor the first time on one cd, "hitsides! 1970-1980" gathers together all of his biggest hits, over four different labels. With the addition of classic songs that became signature tunes for others (ruby don"t take your love to town, detroit city) at last a career overview is available that fully reflects the importance of the artist.úFully researched liner notes point to mel"s initial trials as an artist but also his almost immediate success as a hit writer for webb pierce, ray price and many others. The deluxe booklet includes startling period images and frank statements from mel as first reported in his autobiography "stutterin" boy".