Mel Tillis telling what we called "The Parrot Joke" - live broadcast from the Grand Old Opry - 1981 

I just have to post this . . . this is one of my favorite stories that Mel told on stage. When I joined the band in 1980, this story (what we referred to as "The Parrot Joke") was part of almost every show for quite a while. Then it disappeared, to be replaced by many other stories over the years. Towards the end of our run, it came back for a few shows around 2013 and 2014. This is from a LP of The Silver Eagle Cross Country Radio Music Show, broadcast live from the Grand Ole Opry in 1981. Some great interaction between Mel and the rest of the band, particularly bass player and band leader Larry Lee McFaden!