I didn't know much about country star Mac Davis before watching North Dallas Forty, but in doing a bit of research, I learned I was more familiar with him than I thought. Even though I didn't know they were Mac's, Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me and Hard to be Humble are songs anyone born in the last few decades have heard at different points of their live.
I was interested to learn Davis started as a song writer, writing for Elvis Presley. Davis produced some of Presley's most famous songs including A Little Less Conversation, Daddy Don't Cry and the iconic, In The Ghetto.
It was also interesting to see how the singers sex appeal was central to the marketing of his music career. Davis clearly looks great with his shirt off, and more than a few of the singers album overs include shots of Davis in tight jeans, and little else.
I was a little surprised to learned that North Dallas Forty wasn't just a one off for the country star, but it was acting that sustained his career through much of the 80's. Davis was listed as one of 12 "Promising New Actors of 1979" by Screen World magazine and was featured on screen in several films including. The Sing II. On television Davis lead his his own variety show in the 70' and in the 80's, made guest appearances on Webster, Lois & Clark, That 70;s Show ,aThe Muppet Show. and had a recurring role on the sit-com Rodney in 2004.
North Dallas Forty (1979)
