Johnny Tillotson, the Grammy-nominated singer best known for his 1960 hit Poetry in Motion, has died at 86 from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Tillotson rose to fame in the early ’60s with hits like Without You, known for his smooth, emotional voice that blended pop and country.

A standout among teen idols of his era, he helped shape the countrypolitan sound and wrote songs recorded by legends like Elvis Presley and Dean Martin. Though his last studio album came out in 1977, Tillotson continued touring worldwide and released music well into the 2010s—including his final song, Everything I Touch Turns to Blue, just days before his passing.

His wife of 45 years, Nancy, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling him “the sweetest, kindest man” and thanking fans for making his dreams come true. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Tillotson’s music remains a timeless thread in American pop history—his voice, unforgettable.