Margo Smith, a popular country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was known for her successful music career in the late 1970s and was later recognized as "The Tennessee Yodeler". Throughout her career, she released numerous country and Christian hits that have left a lasting impact.
Smith, originally named Betty Lou Miller, was born in Dayton, Ohio. She found her passion for performing after being influenced by a television show in her local area. Despite developing a skill for yodeling at a young age, she made the choice to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey to fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances and, subsequently, the chance to create a demo record and secure a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to express her femininity more openly. "Still a Woman," a popular song from her album called A Woman, was notably daring.
At the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The airplane is set to take flight tonight / Hold on tightly as we soar through the sky / Remember, I am still a woman."
In the cover of Smith's album "Just Margo" from 1979, she appeared wearing only a satin robe. This was considered bold and daring at the time, although in 2024, the outfit might be perceived more as a housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, her openness to discuss sex and her more provocative stage performances helped boost ticket sales.
After a sudden change, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed her remorse for this particular phase 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 towards more conservative beliefs. Alongside her daughter Holly, she formed a successful Christian country duo called Margo Smith and Holly, which earned them various awards.
During the later stages of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling and made money by teaching others how to yodel. One of her notable students was Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, Smith moved back to Nashville and passed away at the age of 84 on January 23rd.
Only a few days ago, she had experienced a stroke. Smith is survived by her husband Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other members of her extended family.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In Memoriam: 40 Country Singers and Songwriters Taken Too Early
Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
Additional content from Taste of Country can be found here. For more details and updates