Mac Davis is being mourned by many country and pop music legends, following the news that the acclaimed songwriter, singer, and actor died on September 29 at age 78, following heart surgery.
The country-pop performer wrote such hits as “In the Ghetto” and “A Little Less Conversation” for Elvis Presley, and recorded his own #1 pop hit in 1972 with “Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me.” He later turned to television, film and Broadway.
As the news arrived, many of his contemporaries and those who came after him paid tribute. Much of the praise for Davis’ accomplishments came from fellow songwriters. Dolly Parton recalled him as “one of the world’s greatest writers, singers, and entertainers.” Don McLean called Davis’ “Memories,” such a beautiful, incomparable song that words can’t express my admiration for it.”
“Mac Davis was such a great guy and an amazing writer. One of the best in the business and a wonderful friend. This is a huge loss to the music industry. His family is in my prayers.” – B.J. Thomas
— BJ Thomas (@TheBJThomas) September 30, 2020
Dolly Parton‘s full tribute: Many hearts are broken today, including my own, with the death of one of my dearest friends, Mac Davis. We lost one of the world’s greatest writers, singers, and entertainers. My love and sympathy goes out to Lisë, his precious wife, his children, and his grandchildren.
Rest in peace, my friend.
I will always love you,
Dolly
The loss of Mac Davis cuts deep. Laura and I loved to spend time w/him and his bright and shining wife Lise. Talking about music with him was exciting and inspiring. Our shared history gave us many touch points. He was a great talent, songwriter, performer and friend #MacDavis
— Jimmy Webb (@realjimmywebb) September 30, 2020
Then I learned that he wrote the song “Memories” & I was really moved. This is such a beautiful, incomparable song that words can’t express my admiration for it. Here’s to Mac Davis. You were a Good Ol Boy for sure & I sure wish I could have met you for a beer or two.
— Don McLean (@donmclean) September 30, 2020
Legendary country singer-songwriter, Rodney Crowell wrote, “[Mac] was the only songwriter willing to tell me the last verse of ‘Shame on the Moon’ was crap. He was right. I last spoke to him at the DMV and we had a laugh about it. I was happy for the chance to tell him that I’d rewritten all three verses. I’m grateful to have known him. May his family be at peace.”
I was saddened to hear about Mac Davis’ passing. He was a great talent and a lot of fun to be around. I got to know him while producing the ‘White Limozeen’ album for Dolly Parton. Condolences to his family for their loss. – Ricky Skaggs pic.twitter.com/AFExIKEA8s
— Ricky Skaggs (@RickySkaggs) September 30, 2020
Kenny Chesney wrote, in part: “I met Mac as a young artist just starting out on my journey, when he was already a legend and a songwriting hero to me. He welcomed me into his home, and turned that tremendous creative light on me. Even though he’d written ‘In The Ghetto’ for Elvis and had so many incredible hits of his own, he made me feel like what I was doing mattered.
“A small town boy who’d achieved the greatest kinds of fame, he remained a good guy, a family man. That was Mac: a giant heart, quick to laugh and a bigger creative spirit. I was blessed to have it shine on me.
“He loved his wife Lisa and his kids, and all kinds of people. He kept in touch, always a kind word, a new joke or a piece of song he was working on, which made him a blessing to everyone who came into his life.”
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
Reba McEntire: “[Mac] 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.”
John Oates: So sorry to hear of the passing of the legendary Mac Davis. He was a genius of a songwriter and storyteller.”
Some of the biggest TV shows of my youth starred Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Mac Davis. #RIPMacDavis. Thanks for all the joy you brought to a young me!
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) September 30, 2020
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