Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who gained fame in the late 1970s and was also referred to as "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, she released numerous successful country and Christian songs.
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. She even developed the skill of yodeling at a tender age. However, instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a country star, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching.
According to AllMusic, the singer's unique journey towards fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later during parent teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which ultimately resulted in her creating a demo record and securing a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to embrace her femininity in more noticeable manners. One of her songs called "Still a Woman," which was featured in her album A Woman, became a Top 10 hit and was notably daring.
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The airplane is set to take off tonight / Hold on tightly as we soar through the sky / Remember, I am still a woman."
Smith's album Just Margo, released in 1979, had a bold cover featuring her wearing a satin robe. Although it may now be perceived as more of a housecoat in 2024, at the time it was considered daring. While her popularity on country radio declined, her openness about sexuality and provocative stage performances helped boost ticket sales.
Unexpectedly, she reverted back to her previous role as a teacher from Ohio and expressed remorse for this period 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 realm. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received accolades.
During the later stages of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling. She generated an income by imparting yodeling lessons to others, with her most renowned student being Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Smith eventually returned to Nashville, but sadly passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
A few days ago, she had experienced a stroke. Smith is no longer alive and is survived by her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as her son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting for people to make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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