Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who gained fame in the late 1970s and was affectionately referred to as "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, she successfully created numerous chart-topping country and Christian songs, leaving behind a remarkable collection of music.
Betty Lou Miller, who later became known as Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her interest in performing was sparked by a television show she watched in her hometown. She even developed the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, instead of pursuing her aspirations of becoming a country star, she made the choice to become a teacher.
According to AllMusic, the singer's 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 subsequently resulted in her creating a demo record and securing a recording contract.
Smith started to openly express her femininity more prominently starting in 1979. One of the standout moments was her Top 10 hit "Still a Woman" from the album A Woman, which was incredibly daring.
In the chorus, she sings about closing the door, turning off the light, and preparing to fly on a plane. She emphasizes the need to hold on tight as they take off. Throughout it all, she proudly declares that she is still a woman.
Smith's album Just Margo, released in 1979, had a bold cover that showed her wearing only a satin robe. This was considered daring at the time, although by 2024, the outfit might be seen as more of a casual housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, Smith's willingness to openly discuss sex and incorporate more provocative elements into her live performances helped boost ticket sales.
Out of the blue, she transformed back into her role as a teacher from Ohio and expressed feelings of 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 more conservative beliefs. Together with her daughter Holly, she reinvented herself as Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo.
Towards the end of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling. She made a living by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with her most well-known student being Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Just a few days ago, she had a stroke. Smith is survived by her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other extended family members.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting that contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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