SiriusXM remembers Mac Davis, country music legend & Elvis Presley songwriter

The 1970s country music star and songwriting legend Mac Davis has died at age 78 following heart surgery, his manager, Jim Morey, confirmed in a statement.

Listen to to SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio (Ch. 19), Willie’s Roadhouse (Ch. 59), and Outlaw Country (Ch. 60) throughout the day to hear Davis’ music, as well as remembrances. Specifically, tune in to Elvis Radio on October 2 at 3pm ET to hear a special edition of The TG Sheppard Show in celebration of Davis, TG’s longtime friend. Willie’s Roadhouse host Jeannie Seely will also pay her respects to Davis during her Sundays with Seely show on October 4 at 12pm ET. Plus, don’t miss a special tribute to Davis on Steve Earle’s Outlaw Country show, Steve Earle: Hardcore Troubadour Radio, premiering on October 3 at 9pm ET.

Born in Lubbock, Texas, in 1942, Davis moved to Atlanta, Georgia, after high school and began his career as a songwriter. In 1968, he began a working relationship with Elvis Presley, who went on to record numerous Davis-penned songs, including “A Little Less Conversation,” “In the Ghetto,” “Memories,” and “Don’t Cry Daddy.”

In the early 1970s, Davis broke through as a solo artist with major crossover hits, including “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” “Stop and Smell the Roses,” and “I Believe in Music.” He was also named Entertainer of the Year in 1974 by the Academy of Country Music.

The legendary country artist later found success as an actor, as well, starring in his own variety TV series, The Mac Davis Show, and appearing in popular movies such as North Dallas Forty and playing Will Rogers in the Broadway production of The Will Rogers Follies.