Mac Davis, a Country music singer, songwriter, and actor, originally from Lubbock, Texas passed away on Tuesday September 29. He enjoyed much crossover success. His early work writing for Elvis Presley produced the hits “Memories”, “In the Ghetto”, “Don’t Cry Daddy”, and “A Little Less Conversation”. A subsequent solo career in the 1970s produced hits such as “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me”. He also starred in his own variety show, a Broadway musical, and various films and TV shows. Artists and industry friends shared memories and statements upon learning of his passing.
“So saddened with the loss of Mac Davis and my heart is so heavy for his family, friends and fans. I have never heard of anyone who didn’t love Mac….everything about him. I just recently featured him on my SXM show and talked about his humor as well as his writing and that, like Roger Miller, he had a way of putting it all together. He will be remembered with love and laughter.” –Jeannie Seely
“Mac was the real deal – a brilliant songwriter, wonderful entertainer, great TV host and actor. For years, we shared Managers (Jim Morey), and we always heard from him what a genuinely nice guy Mac was. A true loss – RIP.” –Marlon Hargis / Exile
“Mac Davis was a national treasure. His songs, his voice, his stories, his funny sweet nature, and his tv and movie rolls will live on forever in the hearts of all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him, but as well in the hearts of strangers cause Mac never knew a stranger. He will be greatly missed. Rest well friend…we rejoice in your name today as you move on to the promised land!” –Heidi Newfield
“I was fortunate to be friends with Mac over the years. We had a lot of fun working on Rodney Carrington’s television series together. With great respect, may he RIP.” –Steve Dorff
“As a young wanna be songwriter in Kentucky watching Mac Davis on his Mac Davis Hour was an inspiration and lesson in the magic of creativity. He would ask the audience to give him a song idea or title and he would come up with a song right on the spot. It showed the genius he was. He made it look fun and easy yet at the same time, totally professional and I was in awe of his talent. I realized then I would love to do that. I loved that he kept reinventing himself and kept writing and writing, sharing his talents with younger Nashville songwriters. Everyone wanted to write with him. He was one of a kind and will be missed.” –Kent Blazy