Dedicated to one of Smith's childhood performing idols, The Best of the Tennessee Yodeler was the tenth studio album in her recording career.

Margo Smith had several years of commercial country music success during the late 1970s, including the number one hits "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You" and "It Only Hurts for a Little While".

[3][4] The Best of the Tennessee Yodeler was an album Smith chose to record in dedication to one of musical idols, country artist Bonnie Lou.

Six of the album's material was composed by Smith herself, including two compositions co-written with former producer Norro Wilson and two with Richard Cammeron.

Also included were cover versions of songs such as Hank Williams' "Lovesick Blues" and Patsy Montana's "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart."