Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who gained fame in the late 1970s with her chart-topping hits, has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, she was also recognized as "The Tennessee Yodeler" and was known for her impressive collection of country and Christian music.
Betty Lou Miller, who later became known as Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited by a television show in her local area. Despite being skilled at yodeling from a young age, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star.
According to AllMusic, the singer's journey to fame took a unique route that began with her singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association meetings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which further led to the creation of a demo record and eventually securing a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly express her feminine identity. One of the standout tracks from her A Woman album, "Still a Woman," was a daring and successful Top 10 hit.
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane is scheduled to fly tonight / Brace yourself as we take off / I am still a woman."
In 1979, Smith's album "Just Margo" had a bold cover featuring her wearing nothing but a satin robe. At that time, this was considered daring, although in 2024, the outfit may appear more like a housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, her willingness to discuss topics related to sex and engage in provocative concert 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 fully embrace the Tennessee Yodeler persona, but ten years later she transitioned into a more conservative mindset. Alongside her daughter Holly, she adopted the identities of Margo Smith and Holly, a highly acclaimed Christian country duo.
Smith relocated to Florida during the later stage of her life and dedicated herself to the art of yodeling. She generated income by imparting yodeling lessons to others, with her most notable student being Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, Smith returned to Nashville and passed away at the age of 84 on January 23rd.
A stroke had occurred a few days ago. Smith is survived by her husband Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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