Renowned country singer Margo Smith, who gained popularity in the late 1970s and was famously referred to as "The Tennessee Yodeler," has passed away at the age of 84. Throughout her career, she amassed a vast collection of successful country and Christian songs.
Smith, originally named Betty Lou Miller, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her desire to pursue a career in performing was sparked by a television show in her local area. Despite having acquired the skill of yodeling at a young age, she ultimately chose to become a teacher rather than pursuing her dream of becoming a country star.
According to AllMusic, her unique journey to fame started when she began singing in her classroom and later, during meetings of the parent teacher association. This eventually led to opportunities to perform on radio shows, which in turn led to the creation of a demo record and eventually securing a recording contract.
From 1979 onwards, Smith started to openly express her feminine side. One of the songs from her album A Woman, titled "Still a Woman," gained significant popularity and made it to the Top 10 charts. The song was known for its audacious
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light. The airplane is going to take flight tonight. Brace yourself tightly as we soar through the sky. Despite it all, I remain a woman."
Smith's album Just Margo, released in 1979, had a bold cover where she was seen wearing a satin robe. This was considered daring at the time, although in 2024 the outfit might be seen more as a casual housecoat. Despite her declining popularity on country radio, Margo's openness about sex and her provocative stage performances helped boost ticket sales.
Suddenly, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed her dissatisfaction with this phase in her life. Music Row highlights that in 1983, she began embracing her Tennessee Yodeler persona, but ten years later, she transitioned into a more conservative stance. Alongside her daughter Holly, she transformed into Margo Smith and Holly, a successful Christian country duo that received recognition and awards.
During the later stages of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling. She made money by imparting her yodeling skills to others, and one of her most well-known students was Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2006. Eventually, Smith returned to Nashville and unfortunately passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
A few days ago, she experienced a stroke. Smith is survived by her husband Richard Cammeron, as well as one son, two daughters, and other members of her extended family.
Instead of bringing flowers, the family suggests donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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