Margo Smith, a talented country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was known for her energetic and successful country songs during the late 1970s, and later gained the nickname "The Tennessee Yodeler." Throughout her career, she released numerous country and Christian hits that will be remembered in her catalog.
Betty Lou Miller, who later became known as Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited when she watched a television show in her local area. Even though she had developed the skill of yodeling at a young age, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching rather than chasing her dream of becoming a country music sensation.
According to AllMusic, the unique journey towards fame for the individual in question started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which further resulted in the creation of a demo record and ultimately securing a recording contract.
Smith started to openly express her femininity in a more noticeable manner starting in 1979. One of the standout tracks from her album A Woman, titled "Still a Woman," achieved great success by being daring and unapologetic.
She sings in the chorus, "Simply close the door and switch off the light. The plane is scheduled to take off tonight. Hold on tightly as we embark on this journey. Remember, I am still a woman."
On the cover of Smith's album "Just Margo" from 1979, she was depicted wearing a satin robe, which was considered bold at the time, although it may resemble more of a housecoat in 2024. Her openness to discuss sex and her provocative performances during concerts helped boost ticket sales, especially as her popularity on country radio declined.
After a sudden change, 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 started to adopt the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later, she transitioned into more conservative beliefs. Alongside her daughter Holly, she became known as Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received awards for their music.
Smith relocated to Florida during the latter part of her life and dedicated her time to mastering yodeling. She generated revenue by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with her most renowned student being Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville, but unfortunately, she passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
A stroke had occurred only a few days ago. Smith's family members who are still alive include her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as one 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 talented country singers and songwriters who tragically passed away prematurely. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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