Renowned country singer Margo Smith has passed away at the age of 84. Smith, who rose to fame in the late 1970s and was affectionately known as "The Tennessee Yodeler," leaves behind a remarkable collection of country and Christian music hits.
Betty Lou Miller, originally from Dayton, Ohio, was given the name Smith. Her interest in performing was sparked by a television program in her local area, and she even acquired the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a country star, she chose to pursue a career in teaching.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey to 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. The song "Still a Woman," which was a successful Top 10 hit from her album called A Woman, showcased her fearless and confident approach.
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The airplane is set to take off tonight / Hold on tight as we embark on this flight / Remember, I am still a woman."
In 1979, Smith's album "Just Margo" had a bold cover featuring her wearing a satin robe, which was considered daring at the time. However, in 2024, the outfit may be seen more as a casual housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, Smith's willingness to discuss sex and incorporate provocative performances in her concerts helped boost ticket sales.
Without warning, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed her regret 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 a more conservative mindset. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received awards.
Smith relocated to Florida in her later years and dedicated her time to yodeling. She also generated income by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with her most well-known student being Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, Smith returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Just a few days ago, she experienced a stroke. Smith is survived by her husband Richard Cameron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other family members.
The family is kindly requesting that instead of sending flowers, a contribution is made to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In Memoriam: 40 Country Singers and Songwriters Taken from Us Too Early
Image Credit: Billy Dukes
Additional content from Taste of Country. Details and updates on various topics can be found