He was one of those rare artists whose every note seemed effortless — as if music itself lived within him. Today, that golden voice has been stilled.

Johnny Tillotson, the two-time Grammy-nominated singer best known for his timeless classic “Poetry in Motion,” has passed away at the age of 86. With a voice that could effortlessly cross the borders of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and country, Tillotson wasn’t just a remarkable performer — he was a gifted songwriter and a genuinely kind, down-to-earth soul, the kind that’s increasingly rare.

Born in 1938 in Jacksonville, Florida, Tillotson soared to fame with “Poetry in Motion,” a vibrant, infectious hit that raced to No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1961. He followed up that success with “Without You” the very next year, securing a Top 10 spot at No. 7.

One of the last — and undoubtedly one of the most talented — teen idols of the 1960s, Johnny Tillotson’s voice and spirit will continue to echo across generations.

Johnny Tillotson wasn’t just a voice for the ages — he was a true pioneer. Among the first artists to blend pop with the rising “countrypolitan” sound, he made a rare and remarkable crossover to the U.S. country charts, forever changing the musical landscape.

Beyond his own chart-topping hits, Tillotson showcased his incredible talent as a songwriter, penning unforgettable classics like “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’” and “You Can Never Stop Me Loving You.” His songs resonated so deeply that icons like Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and even Elvis Presley were moved to record them.

While his final studio album was released in 1977, Tillotson’s love for music never faded. He continued to tour extensively across Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and in the 1990s, he returned to the studio, recording both country and holiday music. In 2010, he shared one last single, “Not Enough,” and just days before his passing, he gifted the world a final song, “Everything I Touch Turns to Blue.”

It is with a heavy heart we share the news that Johnny Tillotson, the sweetest and kindest of souls, has left us. He passed away at the age of 86 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by the love of his family.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy; his son John and daughter-in-law; his stepdaughter Genevieve; and his beloved grandchildren, Nia, Jackson, Georgia, and Gwyneth. He also leaves behind his brother Dan, sister-in-law Virginia, and a cherished circle of nieces and nephews.

In a moving tribute, Nancy wrote:
“It is with a broken heart that I write to let you know that 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 continued, “Someone once said that sometimes, right in the middle of an ordinary life, you get a fairy tale. The day I met Johnny, I got mine. He was funny, generous, kind — a true gentleman. He loved his fans deeply and often said they made every dream he ever had come true. Once again, on his behalf, I say thank you for that.”

Johnny Tillotson’s voice may be silent, but his spirit — warm, vibrant, and full of music — will live on forever.

RIP Johnny, Thank you so very much for the wonderful music.

Our condolences to the bereaved family!