Margo Smith, a popular country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was known as "The Tennessee Yodeler" and was successful in the late 1970s with several chart-topping country and Christian songs. Throughout her career, she left behind a collection of impactful hits in both genres.
Betty Lou Miller, later known as Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited by a television show in her local area, and she even acquired the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, she made the choice to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country star.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey towards fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which then led to her creating a demo record and ultimately securing a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly express her feminine identity. One of her songs, "Still a Woman," which became a Top 10 hit, was particularly brave and daring.
At the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The airplane is going to take off tonight / Hold on tightly as we soar through the sky / I'm still a woman."
Smith's album Just Margo, released in 1979, had a bold cover where she was seen wearing only a satin robe. At that time, this was considered daring, although in 2024, the outfit may resemble more of a housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, Smith's open discussions about sex and her provocative stage performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to her previous role as a teacher from Ohio and expressed remorse for this particular phase in her life. Music Row highlights that in 1983, she began to adopt the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later, she transitioned into a more conservative realm. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received accolades.
During the latter part of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated herself to yodeling. She found a source of income by providing yodeling lessons to others, with Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006, being her most renowned student. Eventually, she moved back to Nashville and passed away at the age of 84 on January 23.
Just a few days ago, she had experienced a stroke. Smith is survived by her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting that you contribute a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Photo Credits: Billy Dukes
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