Mac Davis

Mac Davis (January 21, 1942 – September 29, 2020) was an American songwriter, singer, performer, and actor. Born in Lubbock, Texas, he became known as a crossover artist who bridged country and pop. Davis first gained recognition for his songwriting, penning Elvis Presley classics including “Memories,” “In the Ghetto,” “Don’t Cry Daddy,” and “A Little Less Conversation.” He later launched a successful solo career in the 1970s, scoring hits such as “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” “Stop and Smell the Roses,” and “One Hell of a Woman.” Beyond music, he starred in his own variety show, appeared on Broadway, and acted in films and television.

Davis spent his early years in Lubbock with his sister Linda, working alongside his father, a strict and religious building contractor. Small in stature but quick to fight, Davis graduated from Lubbock High School at 16 and left for Atlanta. There, he formed a rock group called the Zots, released a pair of singles, and worked for Vee Jay and Liberty Records as a regional manager. His big break came when he joined Nancy Sinatra’s company, Boots Enterprises, where he played on recordings and wrote songs for Sinatra and others. His work with Elvis Presley — especially “In the Ghetto” and “Don’t Cry Daddy” — cemented his reputation as one of the era’s most gifted songwriters.
In the 1970s, Davis transitioned from songwriter to performer. His warm storytelling style and witty stage presence made him a natural entertainer. His crossover success brought him acclaim on both the country and pop charts, along with appearances in movies like North Dallas Forty. Davis’s charm extended to television, where he hosted his own show and became a household name.

Throughout his career, Davis earned major honors, including the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year in 1974 and the first People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Singer in 1975. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Mac Davis passed away on September 29, 2020, at age 78, following heart surgery. He left behind a lasting legacy as a songwriter, performer, and entertainer whose music continues to resonate across generations.