– “Tennessee Yodeler Margo Smith”
– “Margo Smith Tennessee Yodeler Died”.
**Margo Smith: Remembering the Tennessee Yodeler**
**January 23, 2024**
Margo Smith, a pioneer in country music and contemporary yodeling, passed away earlier this week at the age of 84. Her contributions to the music industry will forever be cherished and remembered.
Born and raised on a farm outside of Dayton, Ohio, Margo Smith became known as “The Tennessee Yodeler” due to her exceptional yodeling skills. Despite her humble beginnings, she quickly made a name for herself in the world of music. At a young age, she discovered her passion for performing after watching the Midwestern Hayride show in nearby Cincinnati. Inspired by the artists she saw on stage, she honed her yodeling skills and even formed a trio called The Apple Sisters during her high school years.
However, Margo had concerns about pursuing a career in music and believed it might not provide the stability she desired. As a result, she obtained a degree in elementary education and taught kindergarten and third grade for many years. Music remained an integral part of her life, as she incorporated it into her lesson plans and performed at local events and on the radio. As her talent gained recognition, her desire to pursue a music career grew stronger.
In 1971, Margo Smith released her debut album titled “I’m A Lady,” while still balancing her teaching responsibilities. Her breakthrough came in 1975 when she signed with 20th Century Fox Records and adopted the stage name “Margo Smith.” Her self-titled album featured the hit song “There I Said It,” which reached the Top 10 in the country music charts and catapulted her to national fame.
Margo Smith achieved her greatest success in 1978 with her album “Don’t Break The Heart That Loves You.” Both the title track and “It Only Hurt For a Little While” topped the country music charts, with “Little Things Mean a Lot” reaching number three. While she recorded cover songs from various genres, Margo also showcased her songwriting talent and found success with original compositions.
As her career progressed, Margo Smith felt the need to establish her unique identity amidst the crowded country music scene. In an attempt to differentiate herself, she adopted a more provocative image and openly discussed topics of a sexual nature during interviews for her 1979 albums, “A Woman” and “Just Margo.” However, this endeavor yielded mixed results, and Margo later expressed regret for compromising her authentic self.
By 1982, Margo Smith returned to recording more traditional country music, embracing her yodeling skills. Her album “The Best of the Tennessee Yodeler” paid tribute to her yodeling hero Bonnie Lou and showcased her exceptional talent in this unique vocal style. In the 1980s, she recorded for Dot Records and Playback Records, focusing on re-recordings of her previous hits and popular songs from both pop and country genres. In the 1990s, Margo collaborated with her daughter Holly to create Christian music.
Beyond her own music, Margo Smith became a mentor and instructor, passing on her yodeling expertise to aspiring singers. She recorded a yodeling instruction tape and worked closely with artists like Taylor Ware to perfect their yodeling techniques. Margo’s dedication to preserving and nurturing the tradition of yodeling in contemporary music solidified her status as one of the greatest yodelers of her time.
Margo Smith’s passing occurred in Franklin, Tennessee, due to complications from a stroke she had suffered two days earlier. While her popular country music career may not always reflect it, her influence in keeping the yodeling tradition alive will forever be remembered. Margo Smith leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of music, and her contributions will continue to inspire generations to come..
1. “Tennessee Yodeler Margo Smith death“
2. “Margo Smith Tennessee Yodeler Obituary”.
