Margo Smith, a successful country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was known for her energetic performances and her chart-topping songs in the late 1970s. Later in her career, she earned the nickname "The Tennessee Yodeler" and had a collection of popular country and Christian hits.
Betty Lou Miller, originally from Dayton, Ohio, adopted the stage name Smith. 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, instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a country star, Smith made the decision to become a teacher.
According to AllMusic, her journey to fame took an unconventional route as it started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which in turn led to her creating a demo record and ultimately securing a recording contract.
Starting from 1979, Smith started to express her femininity more openly. "Still a Woman," a popular song from her album titled A Woman, was particularly daring.
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light. The plane is set to take off tonight. Brace yourself tightly as we soar through the sky. Remember, I'm still a woman."
In Smith's album "Just Margo" released in 1979, the cover depicted her wearing only a satin robe. This choice was considered bold at that time, even though in 2024, the outfit might be seen as more akin to a housecoat. Alongside her declining popularity on country radio, her willingness to openly discuss sex and incorporate provocative concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Unexpectedly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed remorse for this particular phase in her life. Music Row highlights 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 formed a successful Christian country duo known as Margo Smith and Holly, which garnered several accolades.
Smith relocated to Florida during the latter part of her life, 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, 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.
She had experienced a stroke not long ago. Smith is survived by her spouse, Richard Cameron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Gallery Attribution: Billy Dukes
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