Renowned country singer Margo Smith has passed away at the age of 84. Smith, who gained fame in the late 1970s and was affectionately called "The Tennessee Yodeler," had a successful career with numerous chart-topping country and Christian songs.
Betty Lou Miller, originally from Dayton, Ohio, adopted the stage name Smith. She was influenced to pursue a career in the entertainment industry after being exposed to a television show in her local area. Despite acquiring the skill of yodeling at a tender age, she made the decision to pursue a teaching profession instead of pursuing her aspiration of becoming a country music sensation.
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 for radio performances, which then resulted in her creating a demo record and securing a contract with a recording company.
Starting in 1979, Smith started to openly express her femininity. The song "Still a Woman," which was a popular track from her album called A Woman, stood out for its audacity.
In the chorus, she sings, "Simply close the door and switch off the light / The plane is scheduled to take flight tonight / Hold on tightly as we ascend into the sky / I am still a woman."
Smith's album Just Margo, released in 1979, had a bold cover featuring her wearing a satin robe, which was considered daring at the time. However, in 2024, the outfit may be seen more like a casual housecoat. As her popularity on country radio declined, her willingness to discuss sex and incorporate provocative concert performances helped boost ticket sales.
After a sudden change, she reverted back to being the teacher from Ohio and expressed her remorse for this particular phase in her life. Music Row highlights that in 1983, she began to embrace her identity as the Tennessee Yodeler, but ten years later, she transitioned into more conservative beliefs. Alongside her daughter Holly, she formed a successful Christian country duo called Margo Smith and Holly, which received accolades.
During the later stages of her life, Smith relocated to Florida where she dedicated her time to yodeling. She earned money by imparting her yodeling skills to others, with one of her most well-known students being Taylor Ware, who was the runner-up on America's Got Talent in 2006. Smith eventually returned to Nashville and passed away on January 23 at the age of 84.
She had experienced a stroke only a few days ago. Smith is survived by her spouse Richard Cammeron, along with 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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Gallery Attribution: Billy Dukes
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