Mac Davis

Mac Davis (born Morris Mac Davis on January 21, 1942 in Lubbock, Texas) was an American songwriter, singer, actor and television personality whose career spanned nearly six decades. He first gained prominence in the 1960s as a staff writer for Boots Enterprises, where his compositions were recorded by Elvis Presley, including the iconic “In the Ghetto,” “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy,” and “A Little Less Conversation.” The success of these cuts opened doors for Davis to launch his own recording career, and in 1972 his single “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” topped both the country and pop charts, earning a gold record and a Grammy nomination. Throughout the 1970s he delivered a string of crossover hits such as “One Hell of a Woman,” “Stop and Smell the Roses,” and “It’s Hard to Be Humble,” cementing his reputation as a versatile pop‑country star. In addition to his musical achievements, Davis hosted The Mac Davis Show on NBC from 1974 to 1976, appeared in films like North Dallas Forty (1979) and Cheaper to Keep Her (1981), and performed on The Muppet Show in 1980. Beyond the charts, Davis was a prolific collaborator, co‑writing songs for contemporary artists including Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Bruno Mars, and Avicii, and contributing to the posthumous release of his material in projects such as the 2025 duets album with Coyle Girelli. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his impact on the recording industry. Davis remained active in performance and songwriting until his death following heart surgery on September 29 2020, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by peers like Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, and Reba McEntire. His charitable “Song Painter” fund, launched by his widow Lisë Davis, continues to nurture emerging songwriters, ensuring that his influence endures for future generations.