Country singer Margo Smith, who was recognized as "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout the late 1970s, she achieved great success on the charts with her vibrant country music. She also had a notable collection of country and Christian hits in her repertoire.
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, and she even acquired the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a country star.
According to AllMusic, her journey to fame took a unique route as it began with her singing in her classroom and later during parent teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities for radio performances, followed by the creation of a demo record and eventually securing a recording contract.
Smith started to openly express her femininity in a more noticeable manner starting in 1979. Her song "Still a Woman," which was featured on her A Woman album and became a Top 10 hit, was particularly daring and courageous.
In the chorus, she sings about shutting the door and turning off the light, indicating that the plane is about to take off. She urges everyone to hold on tight as they embark on their journey. Throughout it all, she emphasizes that she is still a woman.
On the cover of Smith's album "Just Margo" released in 1979, she can be seen wearing a satin robe, which was considered bold at that time, although it might appear more like a housecoat in 2024. While her popularity on country radio declined, her openness about sex and engaging concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to her role as a teacher from Ohio and expressed remorse for this particular phase in her life. According to Music Row, she began adopting the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler in 1983, but as time passed, she transitioned into a more conservative mindset. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received awards for their music.
During the later stages of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling and made a living by instructing others in the art of yodeling. One of her most notable students was Taylor Ware, who came in second place on America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
A stroke had occurred to her only a few days prior. Smith is survived by her spouse Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is kindly requesting that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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