Margo Smith, a popular country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was known for her energetic and successful country songs in the late 1970s and was later recognized as "The Tennessee Yodeler." Throughout her career, she had a collection of both country and Christian music hits.
Smith, originally named Betty Lou Miller, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited by a television show in her local area. Despite learning to yodel at a young age, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country star.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey towards fame began when she began showcasing her singing talents in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association meetings. This eventually led to opportunities to perform on radio shows, which then resulted in her creating a demo record and ultimately signing a recording contract.
From 1979 onwards, Smith started to openly express her feminine side. One of her notable achievements during this time was the release of the song "Still a Woman," which became a Top 10 hit from her album titled A Woman. This song was particularly
She sings in the chorus, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane is set to take off tonight / Hold on tightly as we embark on this journey / Remember, I am still a woman."
In Smith's album "Just Margo" from 1979, the album cover showed her wearing only a satin robe. This was considered bold at the time, although in 2024, the outfit looks more like a housecoat. While her popularity on country radio declined, her willingness to discuss sex and engage in provocative concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed her remorse for this phase in her life. According to Music Row, in 1983 she began adopting the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later she transitioned into a more conservative stance. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received awards.
During the later part of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated herself to yodeling. She made a living by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with one of her notable students being Taylor Ware, who came in second place on America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, Smith returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
A few days ago, she experienced a stroke. 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 suggests making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In memory: 40 country singers and songwriters who passed away at a young age. Gallery credit goes to Billy Dukes.
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