Odell McLeod
Odell McLeod 1916–2003 was an American country-gospel singer, radio entertainer, and songwriter.
Early life
McLeod was born May 31, 1916, in Roanoke, Alabama. He grew up on country music, listening to artists such as the Skillet Lickers, Deford Bailey, and Jimmie Rodgers. About 1939 he married Adeline Myrtle Wood, better known as Addie. She was from Arkansas and six years his junior. In 1940 they were living in Benton Township, Berrien County, Michigan.Career
McLeod's began his career by working with Slim Bassett. During the 1930s they traveled regularly with McLeod popularizing his own songs by performing them on radio stations throughout the southern United States. The duo landed a regular show in New Orleans in 1935, known as "Mac & Slim." He continued to work with Bassett until he married his wife Addie. He continued his career as a radio entertainer alongside his wife Addie on WJJD in Chicago. "Mac and Little Addie", as they were known, played for the station's Supper Time Frolic show until the start of World War II. During the war, McLeod worked in a factory in Michigan. He continued to write songs during the war and resumed his career at WLAC in Nashville, Tennessee, once the war had ended. He was with the station until 1957, appearing both solo and as Mac and Little Addie.McLeod was with the Mercury Records label from 1949 until 1952, leaving to join King Records. He wrote numerous songs throughout his career, including "The Battle of Armageddon" which was recorded by Hank Williams. Additional songs included "Thirty Pieces of Silver" made popular by Wilma Lee Cooper, and "From the Manger to the Cross" sung by Hank Williams, both of which became country music standards.