Mac Davis, Elvis songwriter and country star, dead at 78<br /><br />Legendary country singer and songwriter Mac Davis has died at the age of 78.<br /><br />Davis, who first found fame writing hits "A Little Less Conversation" and "In The Ghetto" for Elvis Presley, died following heart surgery, his manager, Jim Morey, said in a statement on Tuesday.<br />"He was surrounded by the love of his life and wife of 38 years, Lise, and his sons Scott, Noah and Cody," Morey wrote on Facebook.<br />Paying tribute to Davis, his manager described him as "a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.<br /><br />"I will miss laughing about our many adventures on the road and his insightful sense of humor.<br />When there was a tough decision to be made he often told me 'You decide.. I'm going to the golf course!'"<br />Morey ended his statement with lyrics from Davis' song "I Believe In Music."<br />News of Davis' death comes days after his family said he had become "critically ill" after undergoing heart surgery in Nashville.<br />Musician Richard Marx led the online tributes to Davis, tweeting: "This is such a drag. RIP to the incredible #MacDavis. Thank you for your incredible songs and your kindness to me. It was an honor to hear you tell me stories."<br />Davis -- born Morris Mac Davis -- made his debut as a country music artist with his 1970 album "Song Painter."
