Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who gained popularity in the late 1970s and was famously nicknamed "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, she created a remarkable collection of country and Christian music that resonated with audiences.
Betty Lou Miller, who later became known as Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited by a television show in her local area, and she even acquired the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey towards fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which subsequently resulted in her creating a demo record and securing a recording contract.
In 1979, Smith started to openly express her feminine side. One of the tracks from her album called A Woman, titled "Still a Woman," gained significant popularity and reached the Top 10 charts. This song was particularly daring and courageous.
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light. The airplane is going to take off tonight. Brace yourself tightly as we soar through the sky. Remember, I am still a woman."
On the cover of Smith's album "Just Margo" released in 1979, she was depicted wearing a satin robe, which was considered bold at that time. However, in 2024, the outfit would be seen more like a casual housecoat. While her popularity on country radio declined, Smith's openness about sex and her daring concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she returned to being the teacher from Ohio and felt sorry for this period of her life. Music Row notes that in 1983, she began to adopt the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later, she transitioned into a more conservative mindset. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received accolades.
During her elderly years, Smith relocated to Florida and dedicated her time to yodeling. She earned a living by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with notable student Taylor Ware, who became the runner-up in America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she would return to Nashville and passed away at the age of 84 on January 23.
Recently, she had experienced a stroke. Smith is no longer with us and is survived by her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as their son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is requesting that people make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Honoring the memory of 40 talented country singers and songwriters who left this world too early. Credits for the gallery go to Billy Dukes.
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