Musical Legends Mac Davis, Helen Reddy Both Die at 78

Singer-songwriters Morris “Mac” Davis and Helen Reddy died Tuesday. They were both 78 years old and died surrounded by their families.

“Sad news,” said nationally syndicated radio show host Delilah in a Facebook post. “They were both such talented, influential people.”

Delilah’s followers shared memories on her post.

“Loved their music! Their songs were a big part of my life.”

“Two of my favorites from the ’70s. Their wonderful music lives on … RIP Helen Reddy and Mac Davis, thanks for your great songs!”

“I attended a concert in the ’70s where they both performed as co-headliners. The irony of these sad losses is not lost.”

Reddy’s children, Traci Donat and Jordan Sommers, confirmed the news of her death yesterday in a statement posted to Facebook: “She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and a truly formidable woman,” said the message. “Our hearts are broken. But we take comfort in the knowledge that her voice will live on forever.”

Best known for her hit, “I Am Woman,” the Australia-born singer had multiple others, including “Delta Dawn,” “Angie Baby” and “You and Me Against the World” as well as her cover of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from the rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar, credited with making her famous, according to Fox News.

Reddy, born on Oct. 25, 1941, was “a student of metaphysics for five decades” who even worked as a clinical hypnotherapist, according to edgemagazine.net. She is also remembered for her famous statement when she took home a Grammy for “I Am Woman.” At the awards ceremony, Reddy thanked God, saying, “Because She makes everything possible.”

Davis died in a Nashville, Tennessee, hospital following heart surgery. He shared his gifts with music fans and television audiences for 50 years. He is best known for his role in the variety show Hee Haw and The Mac Davis Show and for writing the hit song “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” according to CMT.com.

“Thank you, dear Lord Jesus, for letting us know the man to whom you gave the most incredible talent,” said country superstar Reba McEntire in a news release. “He entertained and spread joy to so many people. What a wonderful legacy he left all of us with his music. Mac was one of a kind. I’m so blessed to have been one of his many friends.”

Davis was born in Lubbock, Texas, on Jan. 21, 1942. Early in his adult life, he started and led a rock ‘n’ roll band. He was also a regional manager for record labels.

He built his career as a songwriter when his work was discovered by Elvis Presley. Their first partnership was with “A Little Less Conversation,” as Davis explained during an audio interview with Richard Marx. He also wrote for Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers, among others.

In 1974, Davis earned American Country Music’s 1974 Entertainer of the Year. In 2006, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was honored to have a star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.

Davis’ songwriting catalog earned him induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000 and the 2015 BMI Icon Award. He received Grammy nominations as a songwriter for “In the Ghetto” and “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” according to CMT.com. His third and final Grammy nomination came with the 1976 country album, Forever Lovers.

In the 2000s, he enjoyed crossover success, writing pop songs for stars like Bruno Mars and Weezer.

The day before his death, posts began circulating social media platforms with #prayformacdavis. {eoa}