 "Mac Davis, country star and songwriter for Elvis Presley, dies aged 78")
Country star Mac Davis, who launched his career crafting the Elvis hits ‘A Little Less Conversation’ and ‘In the Ghetto,’ and whose own hits include ‘Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me,’ has died. He was 78. His longtime manager Jim Morey said in a press release that Davis died in Nashville on Tuesday after heart surgery and was surrounded by family and friends. Davis had a long and varied career in music for decades as a writer, singer, actor and TV host and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. He was named 1974’s entertainer of the year by the Academy of Country Music and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Thank you, dear Lord Jesus, for letting us know the man to whom you gave the most incredible talent,” said Reba McEntire in a statement. “He entertained and spread joy to so many people. What a wonderful legacy he left all of us with his music. Mac was one of a kind. I’m so blessed to have been one of his many friends.” Born in Lubbock, Texas, and raised in Georgia, Davis was inspired by fellow Lubbock native Buddy Holly, but it was Elvis who gave him his first musical big break. Davis worked as a staff songwriter in Los Angeles for Nancy Sinatra’s publishing company when in 1968 Presley cut ‘A Little Less Conversation.’ Although it had a little success at the time, the song became a bigger hit after Presley’s death, being covered by more than 30 artists and became Davis’ most licensed TV soundtrack song. The song reached the top of the UK charts in 2002 after it was used in a Nike commercial and was featured in the hit movie Ocean’s 11. Davis also helped craft the song ‘Memories’ that was a cornerstone of Elvis’ big 1968 comeback TV special. “A small town boy who’d achieved the greatest kinds of fame, he remained a good guy, a family man,” said country star Kenny Chesney. “That was Mac: a giant heart, quick to laugh and a bigger creative spirit. I was blessed to have it shine on me. And Mac, who was joyous, funny and created a family around him, never stopped writing great songs, creating music and inspiring everyone around him.” Davis got a recording deal of his own in 1970, recording ‘Hooked on Music,’ ‘It’s Hard to be Humble,’ and ‘Texas in my Rearview Mirror,’ and getting crossover success on pop charts. He had his own TV series, The Mac Davis Show on NBC, and also acted in TV and film, including alongside Nick Nolte in the football film North Dallas Forty. He even starred on Broadway, in The Will Rogers Follies and toured with the musical. The group Gallery had a hit on his song ‘I Believe in Music.’ “He was the songwriter behind some of the most iconic and timeless songs that transcend genres and generations and was named a BMI Icon in 2015,” said BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neil. “Beyond his extraordinary talent, Mac was a dedicated friend and advocate for songwriters everywhere.” He also wrote songs recorded by Kenny Rogers (‘Something’s Burning’), Dolly Parton (‘White Limozeen’) and Ray Price (‘Lonesomest Lonesome’). He was still writing later in life, getting co-writing credits on songs by Avicii ( Addicted to You’) and Bruno Mars (’Young Girls’). “Today our country community lost an amazing entertainer, songwriter and artist,” said Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA. “I remember watching Mac’s TV show as a kid as well as his three years co-hosting the CMA Awards with Barbara Mandrell, which proved his command of the TV medium as well as the music.” Singer and songwriter Richard Marx condoled the dead of Mac Davis. He tweeted a picture with Davis and wrote, “It was an honor to hear you tell me stories.
This is such a drag. RIP to the incredible #MacDavis. Thank you for your incredible songs and your kindness to me. It was an honor to hear you tell me stories. pic.twitter.com/8UEb5LXSKt
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 30, 2020
American actress Lydia Cornell also expressed her sorrow over Davis’ death.
Rest in peace Mac Davis. #MacDavis @DollyParton 😢❤️🙏
— Lydia Cornell (@LydiaCornell) September 30, 2020
Writer and actor Matt Oswalt tweeted, “RIP Mac Davis."
RIP Mac Davis.
— Matt Oswalt (@MattOswaltVA) September 30, 2020
I was just watching North Dallas Forty the other day for the first time in years. Holds up so well. pic.twitter.com/ewq6gPT4vH
CMA Country Music on its official Twitter handle said it is heartbroken by the passing away of former CMA Awards host Mac Davis.
We are heartbroken by the passing of legendary singer-songwriter and former #CMAawards host Mac Davis. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/nWgkkTLBiQ
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) September 30, 2020
R&B singer and writer Donn T wrote, “My late grandma Laura loved country singer #MacDavis songwriter of Elvis’ “In The Ghetto”. Seconds ago I shared with my husband who didn’t know him, “Yeah Mac Davis was in the era of #HelenReddy,” as I read, she just died too."
My late grandma Laura loved country singer #MacDavis songwriter of Elvis’ “In the Ghetto”. Seconds ago I shared with my husband who didn’t know him, “Yeah Mac Davis was in the era of #HelenReddy,” as I read, she just died too. #RIPHelenReddy #RIPMacDavis #unlikelyfan 🙏🏾❤️
— Donn T (@Donn_T) September 30, 2020
(With inputs from The Associated Press)
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