Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who gained widespread 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 achieved great success with a collection of country and Christian hit songs, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy.
Betty Lou Miller, who later adopted the stage name Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. She developed a passion for performing after being influenced by a television program in her community. Despite learning how to yodel at a young age, she ultimately chose to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country music artist.
According to AllMusic, her journey towards fame took a unique turn when she began showcasing her singing talent in her classroom as well as during parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which then paved the way for her to create a demo record and secure a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly express her femininity in a more noticeable manner. One of the tracks called "Still a Woman," which was featured on her album titled A Woman, gained significant attention and became a Top 10 hit. This
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane is about to depart tonight / Hold on tightly as we take off / Remember, I am still a woman."
In the album cover of Smith's Just Margo released in 1979, she was depicted wearing a satin robe, which was considered bold at that time. However, in 2024, the outfit may be seen more as a casual housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, Smith's open discussion about sex and her provocative stage performances helped boost ticket sales.
After a sudden change, she returned to being a teacher from Ohio and felt sorry for this phase in her life. According to Music Row, in 1983, she began to adopt the Tennessee Yodeler identity, but ten years later, she transitioned into a more conservative stance. She formed a Christian country duo with her daughter Holly, under the name Margo Smith and Holly, and they achieved success in the industry, receiving awards for their music.
During the later part 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 her most well-known student 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.
She had experienced a stroke only a few days ago. Smith is survived by her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is requesting that you make a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Rest in Peace: 40 Country Singers and Songwriters Who Passed Away Prematurely. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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