Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who was popular in the late 1970s and earned the nickname "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, she achieved great success with numerous chart-topping country and Christian songs, leaving behind a remarkable collection of music.
Smith, originally known as Betty Lou Miller, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited after watching a television show in her local area and she even acquired the skill of yodeling at a tender age. However, she made the conscious choice to pursue a career as a teacher instead of pursuing her aspirations of becoming a renowned country music artist.
According to AllMusic, her journey towards fame took an unconventional route as it started with her singing in her class and later at parent teacher association gatherings. This led to opportunities for radio performances and eventually resulted in her making a demo record and securing a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to express her femininity more openly. One of the standout tracks from her A Woman album, "Still a Woman," became a daring Top 10 hit.
At the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light. The airplane will take off tonight. Brace yourself tightly as we embark on this journey. Remember, I am still a woman."
In Smith's album titled "Just Margo" released in 1979, the cover depicted her wearing only a satin robe. This was considered bold at the time, although in 2024, the outfit might be seen more as a housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, her openness about topics like sex and her provocative concert performances helped increase ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed her remorse for this period in her life. Music Row highlights that in 1983, she began embracing her Tennessee Yodeler persona, but ten years later, she transitioned into a more conservative stance. Alongside her daughter Holly, she formed a successful Christian country duo called Margo Smith and Holly, which received accolades.
Smith relocated to Florida during the later stages of her life, where she dedicated herself to yodeling and made a living by instructing others in the art of yodeling. One of her most renowned students was Taylor Ware, who achieved fame as the runner-up in America's Got Talent 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 is survived by her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as her son, two daughters, and other family members.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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