Margo Smith, a talented country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was a successful artist in the late 1970s and was later recognized as "The Tennessee Yodeler." Throughout her career, she achieved chart-topping success with her country and Christian songs.
Smith, originally named Betty Lou Miller, 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 decision to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country star.
According to AllMusic, her journey towards fame took a unique turn when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which then resulted in her creating a demo record and eventually signing a recording contract.
From 1979 onwards, Smith started expressing her femininity more openly. One of her Top 10 hits, "Still a Woman," from her album A Woman, was particularly bold.
At the chorus, she sings about closing the door and turning off the light before the plane takes off. She emphasizes the need to hold on tight during the flight. Throughout all of this, she proudly asserts her identity as a woman.
In 1979, Smith's album Just Margo had a bold cover that showed her wearing only a silky robe. This was considered daring at the time, although in 2024 it may look more like a casual housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, Margo's openness about sex and her provocative stage performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed remorse for this particular phase in her life. According to Music Row, in 1983 she began to adopt the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later she transitioned into more conservative beliefs. Alongside her daughter Holly, she formed the successful Christian country duo known as Margo Smith and Holly, which received several awards.
Smith relocated to Florida during the latter part of her life, where she dedicated her time to yodeling and made a living by imparting her yodeling skills to others. One of her notable students was Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville but sadly passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Only a few days prior, 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 requesting that people make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In memory: 40 country singers and songwriters who passed away at a young age. Gallery acknowledgment: Billy Dukes.
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