Mac Davis Dies At 78

Mac Davis, former CMA Awards host and beloved singer-songwriter who penned iconic hits such as Elvis Presley’s "In The Ghetto" and "A Little Less Conversation" passed away yesterday, Sept. 29, 2020. He was 78.

Davis died following heart surgery, his manager, Jim Morey, said in a statement on Tuesday. Morey said in part, "He was surrounded by the love of his life and wife of 38 years, Lise, and his sons Scott, Noah and Cody."

His manager also said "I will miss laughing about our many adventures on the road and his insightful sense of humor. When there was a tough decision to be made he often told me 'You decide.. I'm going to the golf course!'"

News of Davis' death comes days after his family said he had become "critically ill" after undergoing heart surgery in Nashville.

Davis, born Morris Mac Davis, made his debut as a country music artist with his 1970 album "Song Painter." His breakthrough album "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me" was released two years later.

Davis penned hits recorded by Rascal Flatts, Dolly Parton, Ray Price, Kenny Rogers and many others, and his own hits included “Texas in My Rearview Mirror,” “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” “Stop and Smell the Roses,” and “Hooked on Music.”