Mac Odell, born Odell McLeod on May 31, 1916, in Roanoke, Alabama, was a prominent American country-gospel singer, songwriter, and radio entertainer. He developed a passion for country music during his youth, inspired by artists like the Skillet Lickers and Jimmie Rodgers. In the 1930s, Odell began his career with Slim Bassett, forming the duo "Mac & Slim" and performing on radio stations across the southern United States. They secured a regular show in New Orleans in 1935.

Odell married Adeline Myrtle Wood, known as Addie, around 1939, and they performed together as "Mac and Little Addie" on WJJD in Chicago until World War II, during which Odell worked in a Michigan factory. After the war, he resumed his music career at WLAC in Nashville, remaining there until 1957. Odell was signed to Mercury Records from 1949 to 1952 before joining King Records. His songwriting prowess was evident in hits like "The Battle of Armageddon," recorded by Hank Williams, and "Thirty Pieces of Silver," popularized by Wilma Lee Cooper.

In 1957, Odell relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he ran "Odell Signs" until a heart attack in 1974 forced him to retire. He returned to music in the late 1970s, recording for the Folk Variety label in Germany and touring the Netherlands with gospel duo A.G. and Kate. Odell passed away on January 11, 2003, in Benton Harbor, leaving behind a legacy of country-gospel music that included standards such as "The Glory-Bound Train" and "From the Manger to the Cross."