Mac Davis (January 21, 1942 – September 29, 2020) was an American songwriter, singer, performer, and actor. Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, he became known for his talent as a crossover artist. In his early career, Davis gained recognition for his songwriting skills, particularly for Elvis Presley, with hits like “Memories,” “In the Ghetto,” “Don’t Cry Daddy,” and “A Little Less Conversation.” Davis later embarked on a successful solo career in the 1970s, producing popular songs such as “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me.” In addition to his music, he starred in his own variety show, a Broadway musical, and appeared in various films and TV shows.

Mac Davis was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, where he spent his childhood with his sister Linda. Growing up, he worked alongside his father, who was a builder contractor. Davis described his father as strict and religious, and despite his small stature, he often found himself in fistfights. After graduating from Lubbock High School at the age of 16, Davis moved to Atlanta to pursue a different path.

In Atlanta, Davis formed a rock and roll group called the Zots and released two singles. He also worked for record companies like Vee Jay and Liberty Records as a regional manager. Davis’s breakthrough came when he joined Nancy Sinatra’s company, Boots Enterprises, Inc., where he played on Sinatra’s recordings and wrote songs like “In the Ghetto,” “Friend, Lover, Woman, Wife,” and “Memories” for various artists, including Elvis Presley.

Davis gained recognition as a songwriter, and one of his notable compositions, “A Little Less Conversation,” was recorded by Elvis Presley. Davis himself recorded the song after Presley’s version became a hit. He continued to write songs for Presley, including “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy,” and “Clean Up Your Own Backyard.” Other artists, such as Bobby Goldsboro, Vikki Carr, and Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, also recorded his songs.

In the 1970s, Davis launched his solo singing career, and his songs achieved success on both the country and popular music charts. Hits like “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” “One Hell of a Woman,” and “Stop and Smell the Roses” solidified his status as a renowned artist. Davis also ventured into acting during this period, appearing in movies like “North Dallas Forty” and hosting his own variety show.

Throughout his career, Davis received numerous accolades, including the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1974 and the first-ever People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Singer in 1975. He was inducted into several music halls of fame, including the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Davis actively used his fame to support charitable causes, such as the FAME Girls’ Ranch and Pasadena’s Humane Society.

Mac Davis passed away on September 29, 2020, at the age of 78, following heart surgery. His legacy as a talented songwriter, singer, performer, and actor lives on, and he continues to be remembered for his contributions to the music industry.