Margo Smith, a notable country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She gained fame in the late 1970s and was recognized as "The Tennessee Yodeler." Throughout her career, she created a collection of country and Christian music that resonated with audiences.
Smith, originally named Betty Lou Miller, was born in Dayton, Ohio. She developed a passion for performing after being influenced by a television show in her local area. At a young age, she even acquired the skill of yodeling. However, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country star.
According to AllMusic, the unique journey towards fame for this individual began when she started singing in her classroom and later during parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, and ultimately resulted in her securing a recording contract after recording a demo record.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly embrace her femininity in a more prominent manner. One of the tracks on her album A Woman, titled "Still a Woman," achieved significant success by reaching the Top 10 charts. This song displayed a remarkable
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane is going to take flight tonight / Hold on tight as we take off / Remember, 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, it was considered daring, although by 2024, the outfit may be seen more as a casual housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, her openness about sexuality and her provocative stage performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to her role as a teacher from Ohio and expressed sadness about this phase of her life. According to Music Row, in 1983 she began adopting the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later she transitioned into a more conservative territory. Alongside her daughter Holly, she formed a successful Christian country duo known as Margo Smith and Holly.
Smith relocated to Florida during her later years, where she dedicated her time to yodeling and supplemented her earnings by imparting her yodeling skills to others. Notably, she tutored Taylor Ware, who gained recognition as the runner-up in America's Got Talent 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville, but sadly passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Only a few days before, 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 you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In Memoriam: 40 Talented Country Singers and Songwriters Taken from Us Too Early
Acknowledgement: Billy Dukes
Additional content from Taste of Country can be found here. For more updates and details