Renowned country artist Margo Smith has passed away at the age of 84. Smith, who gained fame in the late 1970s and was subsequently referred to as "The Tennessee Yodeler," has left behind an extensive collection of country and Christian music hits.
Betty Lou Miller, originally from Dayton, Ohio, was given the name Smith. Her interest in performing was sparked by a television show in her community, and she even acquired the skill of yodeling at a young age. However, instead of pursuing her aspirations of becoming a country star, she made the decision to become a teacher.
According to AllMusic, the singer's unique journey towards fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association gatherings. This eventually led to opportunities to perform on radio shows, which ultimately resulted in her creating a demo record and securing a recording contract.
From 1979 onwards, Smith started to openly express her femininity. Her song "Still a Woman" from the album A Woman gained significant popularity and was recognized for its audacity.
The chorus of the song goes, "Simply close the door and switch off the light. The plane is scheduled to take off tonight. Brace yourself as we soar through the sky. Remember, I am still a woman."
In 1979, Smith's album "Just Margo" had a bold cover, showing her wearing a satin robe, which was considered daring at the time. However, in 2024, the outfit might appear more like a housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, Margo's openness about sexuality and her provocative concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed her disappointment in this phase of her life. Music Row highlights that in 1983, she began adopting the persona of the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later, she transitioned into a more conservative mindset. Alongside her daughter Holly, she formed the duo Margo Smith and Holly, which gained recognition and accolades as a Christian country act.
Smith relocated to Florida during her later years, where her main focus became yodeling. She found a source of income by instructing others in the art of yodeling, with her most renowned pupil being Taylor Ware, the runner-up of America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, she returned to Nashville, and sadly passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
A stroke had occurred to her only a few days ago. Smith is now survived by her spouse, Richard Cameron, as well as her 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.
In remembrance: 40 talented country singers and songwriters who left us too early. Acknowledgement goes to Billy Dukes for providing this gallery.
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