Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who was famously dubbed "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, she achieved great success in the late 1970s with numerous chart-topping country and Christian songs, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy.
Betty Lou Miller, who later became known as Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited after watching a TV show in her local area. She even developed the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a country star, she chose to follow a different path and became a teacher.
According to AllMusic, her journey to fame took an unconventional route as it started with her singing in her classroom and later during parent-teacher association gatherings. These performances eventually led to opportunities to perform on radio shows, which then paved the way for her to create a demo record and secure a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to express her femininity in more noticeable ways. One of the standout songs from her album A Woman, titled "Still a Woman," achieved significant success by breaking societal norms.
At the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light. The plane is going to take off tonight. Brace yourself tightly as we embark on this journey. Remember, I am still a woman."
In 1979, the album cover of Smith's "Just Margo" displayed her wearing a satin robe, which was considered bold at the time. However, in 2024, the outfit might be perceived more like a casual housecoat. While her popularity on country radio declined, her willingness to discuss topics related to sex and incorporate provocative elements in her concerts helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed remorse for this particular phase in her life. According to Music Row, in 1983 she began to fully embrace her Tennessee Yodeler persona, but as time went on, she transitioned into a more conservative stance. Alongside her daughter Holly, she formed the duo Margo Smith and Holly, which went on to win awards for their Christian country music.
During the later years of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling. She also made money by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with one of her notable students being Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, Smith returned to Nashville but unfortunately passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Recently, she had experienced a stroke. Smith left behind her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives who were part of her extended family.
Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that individuals make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Rest in peace: 40 country singers and songwriters whose lives were tragically cut short. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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