'In The Ghetto' Writer Mac Davis Passes Away, Age 78

Mac Davis has passed away, age 78. 

According to Rolling Stone, the US country musician and songwriter passed away following heart surgery earlier this week. 

Davis was responsible for writing some of Elvis Presley's best-known hits, including In The Ghetto and the posthumously released, A Little Less Conversation. Both tracks hit #1 on charts around the world, including Australia. 

Additionally, Davis also found success with his own solo work, particularly with I Believe In Music which was also recorded by everyone from Helen Reddy (whose passing at age 78 was also confirmed today) to Kenny Rogers and Liza Minnelli. 

Davis was an Australian chart favourite too, with Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me peaking at #2 in Australia in 1972, while It's Hard To Be Humbled came in at #9 eight years later. 

He also took on a classic Australian track too, with Kevin Johnson's 1973 hit, Rock N Roll (I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life).

Over the years, Davis also made his foray into acting in the early '70s too, first appearing in the film North Dallas Forty. 

He would go on to appear in various film and television roles, including spots on King Of The Hill, That '70s Show, 8 Simple Rules, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman and more.

Davis most recent acting role was on Dolly Parton's Heartstrings as Reverend Riggs.