Singer, songwriter Mac Davis dies at 78

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Legendary singer-songwriter Mac Davis, whose songs were recorded by artists like Elvis Presley, has died following heart surgery. He was 78.

Alliance Artist and Media Relations confirmed his death Tuesday night, saying Davis died in Nashville and was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

His long-time manager and friend Jim Morey called him a "loving husband, father, grandfather and friend."

Throughout his career, Davis’ songs were recorded by artists like Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Bruno Mars, Glen Campbell, Tammy Wynette, Avicii, Andy Williams, Conway Twitty, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.

His hits for Elvis include, “A Little Less Conversation,” “In the Ghetto,” and “Don’t Cry Daddy”.

In 1972, Davis had his own recording hit when his self-penned “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also earned him a Grammy nomination.

A string of hits throughout the 70s led to him getting his own variety show from 1974-1976. In 1974, Davis was named the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year.

He's a member of both the national Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Funeral arrangements are pending.