Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who was famously called "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, which peaked in the late 1970s, she produced several chart-topping country and Christian songs, leaving behind a remarkable collection of music.
Betty Lou Miller, originally from Dayton, Ohio, chose to go by the name Smith. She developed a passion for performing after being influenced by a television show in her community. Despite even acquiring the skill of yodeling at a young age, she ultimately opted to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her aspiration of becoming a country music sensation.
According to AllMusic, her unconventional journey to fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association meetings. This eventually led to opportunities to perform on radio shows, which in turn resulted in her creating a demo record and ultimately securing a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly express her femininity. One of her popular songs, "Still a Woman," from her album titled A Woman, was particularly courageous and made it into the Top 10 charts.
During the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light. The plane will be taking off tonight. Hold on tightly as we soar through the sky. Remember, I am still a woman."
In 1979, Smith's album Just Margo had a bold cover that showed her wearing a satin robe, which was considered daring at the time. However, by 2024, the outfit might be seen more as a casual housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, Smith's openness about sex and her provocative stage performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed remorse for this phase in her life. According to Music Row, in 1983 she began adopting the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later she transitioned into more conservative beliefs. Alongside her daughter Holly, she formed Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received awards.
Smith relocated to Florida during her later years, where she dedicated herself to the art of yodeling. She found financial stability by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with one of her notable students being Taylor Ware, who achieved recognition as the runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, Smith returned to Nashville, but unfortunately, she passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
A stroke had occurred to her only a few days ago. Smith is survived by her husband, Richard Cameron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of buying flowers, the family is requesting that you contribute a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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