Margo Smith, a renowned country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was a prominent figure in the country music scene during the late 1970s and was often referred to as "The Tennessee Yodeler." Throughout her career, she produced a vast collection of successful country and Christian songs.
Smith, originally known as Betty Lou Miller, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited by a television show in her local area, where she even acquired the skill of yodeling at a tender age. However, she made the conscious choice to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country music sensation.
According to AllMusic, the singer's unique journey to fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities to perform on radio, which ultimately resulted in her creating a demo record and securing a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly express her femininity in a more noticeable manner. The song "Still a Woman," which was a popular track from her album A Woman, was particularly daring.
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane is scheduled to take off tonight / Hold on tightly as we embark on this flight / Remember, I am still a woman."
In 1979, Smith's album Just Margo had a daring cover that showed her wearing only a satin robe. At that time, it was considered bold, although in 2024, it may resemble more of a housecoat. As her popularity on country radio declined, her willingness to discuss sex and incorporate provocative concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, there was a shift and she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio. She expressed remorse for this particular period 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 formed a Christian country duo called Margo Smith and Holly, which went on to win awards.
During the later years of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling. She made a living by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with one of her notable students being Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Recently, she had experienced a stroke a short while ago. Smith is survived by her spouse, Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Credit for Gallery: Billy Dukes
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