Renowned country singer, Margo Smith, has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career in the late 1970s, she achieved great success on the music charts and was later recognized as "The Tennessee Yodeler." Her impressive musical legacy includes a collection of popular country and Christian songs.
Smith, originally named Betty Lou Miller, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her interest in performing was sparked by a television show in her community, 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 following her dream of becoming a country music sensation.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey to fame began when she first showcased her singing talents in her classroom and later at 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 professional recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly explore her femininity. One of the standout tracks from her album A Woman, titled "Still a Woman," was particularly daring and became a Top 10 hit.
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane will be taking flight tonight / Hold on tightly as we soar through the sky / Remember, I am still a woman."
In Smith's album Just Margo, released in 1979, the cover displayed her wearing a satin robe, which was considered bold at the time. However, in 2024, the outfit might be seen more like a comfortable housecoat. While her popularity on country radio declined, her willingness to openly discuss sexuality and incorporate provocative elements into her concerts helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, there was a change and she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio. She expressed remorse for this particular phase in her life. In 1983, she began to adopt the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but as the years went by, 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 the later part of her life, Smith relocated to Florida and dedicated her time to yodeling. She earned money by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with one of her most well-known students being Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23rd at the age of 84.
Recently, she experienced a stroke only a couple of days ago. Smith's family includes her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives who continue to live on.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
40 country singers and songwriters who passed away prematurely are being remembered and honored in this article. The credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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