Margo Smith, a popular country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was known for her vibrant music in the late 1970s and earned the nickname "The Tennessee Yodeler." Throughout her career, she created a collection of successful country and Christian songs.
Betty Lou Miller, originally from Dayton, Ohio, had the birth name Smith. Growing up, she found inspiration in a television program and even acquired the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching rather than chase her aspirations of becoming a country music sensation.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey towards fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities to perform on radio, which further led to the creation of a demo record and eventually signing a recording contract.
In 1979, Smith started to openly express her femininity in more noticeable manners. "Still a Woman," a song from her A Woman album, gained significant popularity and was considered quite daring.
She sings in the chorus, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane is preparing to take off tonight / Hold on tightly as we embark on this journey / Remember, I am still a woman."
In 1979, Smith's album Just Margo had a bold cover where she was portrayed wearing only a satin robe. Back then, it was considered daring, although in 2024, the outfit might be seen more like a housecoat. Smith's openness about sexuality and her provocative performances on stage helped boost ticket sales, especially when her popularity on country radio declined.
Out of nowhere, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and showed remorse for this phase in her life. According to Music Row, in 1983 she began to embrace the Tennessee Yodeler identity, but ten years later she transitioned into a more conservative stance. Together with her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received awards.
During the later part of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time and efforts to yodeling. She made a living by teaching others the art of yodeling, with one of her most notable students being Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Recently, she experienced a stroke only a couple of days ago. Smith is survived by her spouse, Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
The family is requesting that instead of sending flowers, they would appreciate if you could make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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