Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who gained fame in the late 1970s and was affectionately nicknamed "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, she achieved great success with a collection of country and Christian chart-topping songs, leaving behind a rich catalog of music.
Betty Lou Miller, originally from Dayton, Ohio, adopted the stage name Smith. She was motivated to pursue a career in performing arts after being influenced by a television program in her locality. Smith 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 aspiration of becoming a country music star.
AllMusic highlights that her uncommon journey to fame 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 the creation of a demo record and securing a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly express her feminine identity in a more noticeable manner. "Still a Woman," a song that made it to the Top 10 from her album A Woman, was strikingly daring.
At the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The airplane is set to take flight tonight / Hold on tight as we soar through the sky / Remember, I am still a woman."
In 1979, Smith's album "Just Margo" had a bold cover that showed her wearing a satin robe, which was considered daring at that time. However, in 2024, the outfit would be seen more like a housecoat. Even though her popularity on country radio was declining, Smith's willingness to openly discuss sex and incorporate provocative concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed sadness about this phase 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 more conservative beliefs. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received awards.
Smith relocated to Florida during the latter part of her life and dedicated herself to yodeling. She found financial stability by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with one of her notable students being Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up in America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville but sadly passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
Just a few days ago, she had experienced a stroke. Smith is survived by her husband, Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other relatives.
Instead of sending flowers, the family is requesting that individuals contribute to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through a donation.
Here's a tribute to 40 country singers and songwriters who passed away prematurely. The credit for this gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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