'In The Ghetto' songwriter Mac Davis dies, aged 78

Country songwriter and singer Mac Davis has died following heart surgery, his manager Jim Morey has confirmed.

“Mac Davis has been my client for over 40 years, and more importantly, my best friend,” Morey wrote. “He was a music legend, but his most important work was that as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I will miss laughing about our many adventures on the road and his insightful sense of humor.”

In the late '60s, Davis penned the hits 'Memories', 'In The Ghetto', 'Don't Cry Daddy' and 'A Little Less Conversation' for Elvis Presley – and later enjoyed a successful solo career in the '70s. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.

In more recent years, Davis collaborated with Weezer on 'Time Flies', and was credited as a writer on Avicii's 'Addicted To You' and Bruno Mars' 'Young Girls'.

Earlier this week, Dolly Parton, who Davis had previously worked with, posted "#PrayForMacDavis" on her Twitter account, following news that he was critically ill.

#PrayForMacDavis https://t.co/Hx0pDYxxGv

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 28, 2020

BBC Radio Ulster's Ralph McLean is among those who have paid tribute to Davis on Twitter.

Sad to hear that #MacDavis has passed. In The Ghetto is such an emotional and powerful work of art that’s sadly as relevant today as the day it was written. Just one of so many incredible songs he penned. Will pay tribute on #ralphmcleancountry @bbcradioulster tomorrow. #RIPMac pic.twitter.com/pqGJ2FCeDH

— Ralph McLean (@RalphMcLeanShow) September 30, 2020

See more tributes below:

Goodbye to my great friend Mac Davis. pic.twitter.com/enll3MAQ4O

— Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) September 30, 2020

There’s no way to express the grief that we feel about Mac Davis. The entertainment industry will miss this great talent and beautiful American. We pray for his family and those that love him.

— Lee Greenwood (@TheLeeGreenwood) September 30, 2020

My buddy #MacDavis went home last night. What a legacy he has left in the world of music that we will forever cherish. Thankful for the songs, the conversations, and the memories. Til we see you again friend..... pic.twitter.com/1dVXr4zBlZ

— Shawn Parr (@DJ_Shawn_Parr) September 30, 2020

RIP, Mac Davis. You sly, funny, intelligent, quick-witted, handsome, Texas songwriting legend. You were one I wanted to meet. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Du3RNWHGNx

— Jamie Lin Wilson (@jamielinwilson) September 30, 2020

Some of the biggest TV shows of my youth starred Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Mac Davis. #RIPMacDavis. Thanks for all the joy you brought to a young me!

— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) September 30, 2020

“Mac Davis was such a great guy and an amazing writer. One of the best in the business and a wonderful friend. This is a huge loss to the music industry. His family is in my prayers.” - B.J. Thomas

— BJ Thomas (@TheBJThomas) September 30, 2020

We are heartbroken by the passing of legendary singer-songwriter and former #CMAawards host Mac Davis. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/nWgkkTLBiQ

— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) September 30, 2020