Remembering legendary singer and songwriter Mac Davis

Music icon Mac Davis passed away on September 29th at age 78, following heart surgery in Nashville. The announcement was made by Davis’ long-time manager and friend Jim Morey, who said Davis was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

“Mac Davis has been my client for over 40 years, and more importantly, my best friend,” Morey said in a statement. “He was a music legend, but his most important work was that as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. I will miss laughing about our many adventures on the road and his insightful sense of humor.”

During a five-decade career, Davis made his mark as a songwriter, Grammy nominated recording artist, film actor, Broadway musical star, television personality and music publisher. Among his classic songs are “In the Ghetto,” “Memories,” “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” “A Little Less Conversation,” “I Believe in Music,” “Something’s Burning” and “It’s Hard to Be Humble.”

His songs were recorded by artists Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Bruno Mars, Glen Campbell, Tammy Wynette, Avicii, Andy Williams, Conway Twitty, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, Bobby Blue Bland, Merle Haggard, and O.C. Smith.

Mac Davis recorded 20 albums and charted more than 40 singles. He has five Gold Records and two Platinum Records. He is a member of the national Songwriters Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is also a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. He is among the handful of songwriters who have been honored with a BMI Icon award.

Davis was born Morris Mac Davis on Jan. 21, 1942 in Lubbock, TX.

Mac Davis is survived by his wife Lise, and by sons Scott, Noah and Cody, daughters-in-law, Tammy, Amy, Cassia, granddaughter Lindsey, mother Edith and sister Linda. While details for arrangements are pending, Lise Davis said Mac will be buried in his hometown of Lubbock, TX and in a nod to his song “Texas In My Rear View Mirror,” he will be in his jeans.

We at TVMusic Network enjoyed seeing Davis arriving and attending the BMI Pop Awards. His professional level always stood out. Thanks for the music and the memories.