Margo Smith, a talented country singer, has passed away at the age of 84. She was widely recognized for her chart-topping success in the late 1970s and earned the nickname "The Tennessee Yodeler." Throughout her career, she amassed a collection of popular country and Christian music hits.
Betty Lou Miller, who later adopted the name Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited by a television program in her local area, which even led her to learn yodeling at a young age. However, she ultimately chose to pursue a career in teaching rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star.
According to AllMusic, her journey to fame was quite unique as it started with her singing in her classroom and later during parent teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, which further led to her creating a demo record and eventually securing a recording contract.
From 1979 onwards, Smith started to openly express her femininity in a more pronounced manner. One of the songs from her album A Woman, titled "Still a Woman," became a Top 10 hit and was particularly daring.
She sings in the chorus, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane is about to depart tonight / Hold on tightly as we take off / I am still a woman."
In 1979, Smith's album Just Margo had a bold cover featuring her wearing only a satin robe. At that time, this was considered daring, although in 2024, the outfit might be seen as more of a housecoat. While her popularity on country radio declined, Smith's openness about sex and her more provocative concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed her remorse for this particular period in her life. According to Music Row, in 1983 she began to adopt the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later she transitioned into more conservative beliefs. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a highly acclaimed Christian country duo.
During the later phase of her life, Smith relocated to Florida and 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 at the age of 84 on January 23.
A few days before, she had experienced a stroke. Smith is now survived by her husband Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
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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