History of Mac Davis in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 17, 2025

Mac Davis, born in Lubbock, Texas, was a multifaceted American entertainer. He achieved initial fame as a songwriter for Elvis Presley, penning hits like "Memories" and "In the Ghetto." Davis transitioned to a successful solo singing career in the 1970s, with "Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me" becoming a signature song. Beyond music, Davis expanded his career to include acting, starring in his own variety show, a Broadway musical, and numerous films and TV series, showcasing his diverse talents and broad appeal.

January 21, 1942: Mac Davis' Birth

On January 21, 1942, Morris Mac Davis was born in Lubbock, Texas. He would become a successful songwriter, singer, performer, and actor.

1968: "A Little Less Conversation" Written

In 1968, Mac Davis wrote the song "A Little Less Conversation", which was recorded by Elvis Presley.

1970: Davis Signs with Columbia Records

In 1970, Mac Davis left Boots Enterprises to sign with Columbia Records. He took all of his songs with him.

1971: "Watching Scotty Grow" Success

In 1971, Bobby Goldsboro's recording of Mac Davis's song "Watching Scotty Grow" became a No. 1 Adult Contemporary success.

September 1972: "Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me" Awarded Gold Disc

In September 1972, Mac Davis's "Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me" sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the Recording Industry Association of America.

1972: "I Believe in Music" Success

In 1972, "I Believe in Music," a song written by Mac Davis, became a success for the group Gallery.

1974: The Mac Davis Show Debut

In 1974, Mac Davis began hosting his own television variety show on NBC, The Mac Davis Show.

1974: Entertainer of the Year

In 1974, Mac Davis was awarded the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year award.

1975: Davis Records "A Little Less Conversation"

In 1975, Mac Davis recorded his own version of "A Little Less Conversation" after Elvis Presley's version became a success. It was released on a Ronco In Concert compilation.

1976: First Marriage Ends

In 1976, Mac Davis's first wife, Sarah Barg, left him for Glen Campbell.

1976: End of The Mac Davis Show

In 1976, Mac Davis's television variety show on NBC, The Mac Davis Show, ended.

1979: North Dallas Forty

In 1979, Mac Davis appeared in the movie North Dallas Forty.

1979: Started Dating Lise Gerard

In 1979, Mac Davis began dating Lise Gerard, who would become his second wife.

1979: Film Debut in North Dallas Forty

In 1979, Mac Davis made his feature film debut opposite Nick Nolte in the football film North Dallas Forty.

1980: "It's Hard to Be Humble" Success

In 1980, Mac Davis had success with the novelty song "It's Hard to Be Humble," which became his first Country music top 10 hit and a top 30 hit in the UK.

1980: Guest Appearance on The Muppet Show

In 1980, Mac Davis hosted an episode of The Muppet Show. He performed "Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me", "It's Hard To Be Humble", and "I Believe in Music".

1981: "Hooked on Music" Success

In 1981, Mac Davis had his biggest Country music success with "Hooked on Music," which reached number 2.

1981: Starred in Cheaper To Keep Her

In 1981, Mac Davis starred in the comedy film Cheaper To Keep Her.

1983: Appeared in The Sting II

In 1983, Mac Davis appeared in The Sting II, as Jake Hooker.

1983: Married Lise Gerard

In 1983, Mac Davis married Lise Gerard.

January 19, 1985: Presidential Inaugural Gala

On January 19, 1985, Mac Davis performed "God Bless the USA" at the 50th Presidential Inaugural Gala for Ronald Reagan.

1985: Last Top 10 Country Hit

In 1985, Mac Davis recorded his last top 10 country music success with the song "I Never Made Love (Till I Made Love With You)".

November 1991: Entered Betty Ford Clinic

In November 1991, Mac Davis checked into the Betty Ford Clinic, beginning his journey to sobriety.

1997: The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!

Don Williams served as the balladeer for the 1997 telefilm The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!

1998: Starred in Possums

In 1998, Mac Davis starred in the sports comedy Possums, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.

1999: King of the Hill

In 1999, Mac Davis began providing character voices on the animated series King of the Hill.

2000: Hosted Labor of Love Radio Show

In 2000, Mac Davis hosted Labor of Love, a live FM radio show for KZLA Los Angeles.

2000: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction

In 2000, Mac Davis was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2000: The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood

Mac Davis served as the balladeer for the 2000 telefilm The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood

2001: Starred in Jackpot

In 2001, Mac Davis played a fellow karaoke competitor in the film Jackpot.

2001: Voiced Barber Bingo on Oswald

In 2001, Mac Davis voiced the character of Barber Bingo on the animated TV series Oswald.

2003: Voiced Barber Bingo on Oswald

In 2003, Mac Davis voiced the character of Barber Bingo on the animated TV series Oswald.

April 2004: Guest-Starred on 8 Simple Rules

In April 2004, Mac Davis guest-starred in the 8 Simple Rules episode "Let's Keep Going: Part 2".

2006: King of the Hill

In 2006, Mac Davis continued providing character voices on the animated series King of the Hill.

2010: Co-wrote "Time Flies" with Rivers Cuomo

In 2010, Mac Davis co-wrote the song "Time Flies" with Rivers Cuomo which appeared on Weezer's Hurley album.

2013: Co-Wrote "Young Girls" and "Addicted to You"

In 2013, Mac Davis co-wrote the hit "Young Girls" for Bruno Mars. Davis also co-wrote and performed "Addicted to You" with Avicii at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami.