Margo Smith, a successful country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was known for her energetic and popular songs in the late 1970s. Later on, she gained the nickname "The Tennessee Yodeler" and had a collection of notable country and Christian music hits.
Betty Lou Miller, who later adopted the stage name Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her interest in performing was sparked by a popular television show in her local area. At a young age, she even acquired the skill of yodeling. However, instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a country star, she made the choice to pursue a career as a teacher.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey to fame started with her singing in her classroom and later during parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which then resulted in her creating a demo record and ultimately signing a recording contract.
From 1979 onwards, Smith started to openly express her femininity. One of her popular songs, "Still a Woman," from her album titled A Woman, was particularly daring and reached the Top 10 charts.
She sings in the chorus, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The airplane is going to take off tonight / Brace yourself as we ascend / I am still a woman."
In the album cover of Smith's Just Margo from 1979, she posed wearing only a satin robe. This was considered daring at the time, although in 2024 it may resemble more of a casual housecoat. As her popularity on country radio declined, her willingness to discuss sex and engage in provocative concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to her role as a teacher from Ohio and expressed feeling remorseful about this phase in her life. According to Music Row, in 1983 she began to embrace the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later she transitioned into a more conservative stance. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received awards.
Smith relocated to Florida during her later years where she dedicated her time to yodeling. She supported herself by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with one of her notable students being Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23rd at the age of 84.
A stroke had occurred to her only a few days before. Smith is left behind by her husband Richard Cammeron, as well as a son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Remembering 40 Country Singers and Songwriters Who Passed Away Prematurely
Acknowledgements: Billy Dukes
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