K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee had heart surgery on Monday (9/28), which left him in critical condition according to a post from his family on Facebook. Last night (9/29) he passed away.
Lubbock, Texas was home to Buddy Holly; and, as Morris Mac Davis stated in his hit song "Texas in My Rear View Mirror," many youngsters with a musical talent were heavily influenced by the native son. Davis left Lubbock for international success, finding it on multiple levels.
His voluminous credits include writing Elvis' hit "A Little Less Conversation" and social statement "In the Ghetto," host of his own variety show, actor in films, cartoons, and TV shows, and, of course, music.
Davis' recording career took off with the hit "Baby, Don't Get Hooked on Me," which topped the pop charts and the "easy listening" charts as well as being a good-sized country hit in 1972. More successes followed as a singer ("Stop and Smell the Roses") and songwriter (the pop group Gallery covered Davis' minor hit "I Believe in Music" in 1972), netting him awards from the CMA and the Grammys.
Davis was also blessed with good looks, and that made him a natural for Hollywood. His first major acting role was as the quarterback in the film North Dallas Forty, which was hailed as one of the best sports movies of its time. Dolly Parton said that Davis was always generous with sharing his experiences with her when she branched out into movies in the 80s.
The announcement of Davis' death came hours after the announcement of the passing of Australian pop superstar Helen Reddy, who found initial success with her cover of Tanya Tucker's hit "Delta Dawn."
Davis would always close his concerts with his 1970 song "I Believe In Music," which is a fitting tribute to the music he has left us:
Lift your voices to the sky,
God loves you when you sing.
Mac Davis was 78
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