Renowned country singer Margo Smith has passed away at the age of 84. She was a highly successful artist in the late 1970s and earned the nickname "The Tennessee Yodeler." Throughout her career, she had numerous chart-topping hits in both the country and Christian music genres.
Betty Lou Miller, who later became known as Smith, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for performing was ignited by a TV show she watched in her hometown. Despite her early talent for yodeling, she made the decision to pursue a career in teaching rather than following her dream of becoming a country star.
According to AllMusic, the journey of her rise to fame took an unusual route. It began when she began singing in her classroom and later at parent-teacher association meetings. This eventually led to opportunities to perform on radio shows, which ultimately resulted in her creating a demo record and signing a recording contract.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to express her femininity more openly. One of the standout tracks from her A Woman album, titled "Still a Woman," achieved significant success and was known for its audacity.
In the chorus, she melodiously sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The airplane is scheduled to take flight 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 that showed her wearing only a satin robe. At that time, it was considered daring, although in 2024, the outfit might be seen more like a housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, her willingness to discuss sex and incorporate provocative performances in her concerts helped boost ticket sales.
After some time, she abruptly returned to her previous role as a teacher from Ohio and expressed remorse for this phase 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 successful Christian country duo that received awards.
During the later stage of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated herself to yodeling. She supported herself by teaching others how to yodel and even had a renowned student named Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up in America's Got Talent 2006. Eventually, she moved back to Nashville, but unfortunately passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
A stroke had occurred a short while ago. 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 donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Remembering the lives of 40 country singers and songwriters who tragically passed away at a young age. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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