650 AM WSM to broadcast Mel Tillis' memorial at the Ryman Auditorium

On Wednesday morning, friends, family and fans of country music great Mel Tillis will gather at the Ryman Auditorium to celebrate his life, music and legacy.

Tillis, a singer, songwriter, comedian and businessman, died Nov. 19 at the age of 85. Over the course of his six-decade career, he wrote some of country music's most enduring songs, recorded six No. 1 singles and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame. He was laid to rest during a private burial in late November.

► More: Family and friends remember Mel Tillis for his kind heart, unflagging optimism

The memorial at the Ryman is free and open to the public. It is slated to begin at 10 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. It will be broadcast live on 650 AM WSM, at wsmonline.com, and via the WSM mobile app.

A number of artists are slated to perform Tillis' music during the program, including Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, Ricky Skaggs, Collin Raye, Daryle Singletary, Lorrie Morgan, Ira Dean, Ray Stevens, Pam Tillis, Sonny Tillis and Carrie Tillis.

Tillis' band, The Statesiders (named after his 1966 single "Stateside"), will accompany select performances, and former "Nashville Now" host Ralph Emery will emcee.