Red Smiley was a renowned American bluegrass musician and one of the genre’s most charismatic and resonant figures. Born Arthur Lee Smiley on May 17, 1925, in Asheville, North Carolina, his musical career spanned several decades, during which he made an indelible mark on the bluegrass scene. Smiley was best known as a banjo player, singer, and a pioneer of the bluegrass sound.

Red Smiley's professional musical journey took flight when he teamed up with Don Reno to form the classic bluegrass duo Reno and Smiley. Their collaboration throughout the 1950s and 1960s resulted in a plethora of memorable songs and helped to solidify the foundation of bluegrass music. After Reno and Smiley disbanded in 1964, Red continued to perform and record, creating a solo legacy that proliferated the essence of bluegrass and expanded the repertoire of the genre. Albums such as "Songs From Yesterday" and "Bluegrass Hits" highlight his dedication to tradition, while projects such as "16 Greatest Gospel Hits" and "The True Meaning of Christmas" showcase his versatility and breadth as a musician. Red Smiley’s music remains essential listening for those tracing the roots and evolution of bluegrass music. He left behind a legacy that influenced countless other artists before he passed away on January 2, 1972.

Genres

Appalachian Folk

Bluegrass

Traditional Bluegrass

Latest Release

Live: 1957

Don Reno•

Red Smiley

Album - 26 Tracks - Released July 1, 2015