Legendary Songwriter and Performer Mac Davis Dead at 79

Mac Davis, who first made a name as a songwriter for Elvis Presley and then moved into a successful solo music and acting career died on September 29th. The cause of death was due to complications of heart surgery. He was 78 years old.

Originally born Scott Davis in Lubbock Texas, Davis made a name with Presley and wrote hit songs such as “In the Ghetto”, “Memories”, Don’t Cry Daddy”, and “A Little Less Conversation”. In the 1970s, Davis built a successful solo career including the #1 Song “Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me” in 1972.

Davis was at the height of his success from 1974 to 1976. He hosted his own variety show, “The Mac Davis Show” on NBC. He made his feature film debut opposite Nick Nolte in the motion picture, “North Dallas Forty”. In the 1980s, he starred in the feature film “The Sting II”, and played Will Rogers in the Broadway Production “The Will Rogers Follies”. He also made numerous television appearances and hosted several television holiday specials.

Photo Credit: Public Domain