Margo Smith, a successful country singer known as "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout the late 1970s, she achieved great success on the country music charts and also had numerous hits in the Christian music genre. Her impressive catalog of songs will be remembered and cherished.
Smith, originally named Betty Lou Miller, was born in Dayton, Ohio. She developed a passion for performing after being influenced by a television program in her local area. Additionally, she acquired the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, despite her aspirations of becoming a country star, she made the decision to pursue a career as a teacher instead.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey towards fame began when she first showcased her singing talent in her classroom and later during parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which in turn resulted in her creating a demo record and ultimately signing a recording contract.
From 1979 onwards, Smith started to express her femininity more openly. One of her songs, "Still a Woman," which was featured on her album titled A Woman, gained popularity and reached the Top 10 charts. This song was particularly daring and
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The airplane is set to take off tonight / Brace yourself as we soar through the sky / Remember, I am still a woman."
In Smith's album Just Margo (1979), the cover showed her wearing just a satin robe, which was considered bold at that time, even though it may appear more like a housecoat in 2024. Her openness about sex and her more daring performances on stage helped boost ticket sales, as her popularity on country radio declined.
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 adopting the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but as time went on, she transitioned towards more conservative beliefs. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country act that received awards.
During the later stages of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling and made a living by imparting her yodeling skills to others. Notably, she taught Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2006 and became her most well-known student. Eventually, Smith returned to Nashville, but unfortunately, she passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Only a few days ago, she experienced a stroke. Smith's family includes her husband Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives who will continue to live on.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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