In the rich history of bluegrass music, Arthur Lee “Red” Smiley is remembered as a warm, polished vocalist and skilled rhythm guitarist who helped bring bluegrass into the homes and hearts of countless Americans. Best known as one half of the beloved duo Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley combined stage presence, radio savvy, and musical taste to become one of the genre’s most recognizable figures during its golden age.
With his smooth baritone, trademark smile, and unshakable timing, Red Smiley helped define what bluegrass could sound and look like in the age of television and radio.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Arthur Lee Smiley was born on May 17, 1925, in Marshall, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From an early age, he was drawn to music, learning guitar and absorbing the traditional string band sounds of the region.
After serving in the military during World War II, Smiley pursued a musical career while studying radio technology at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where he met fellow student and banjo innovator Don Reno. Their friendship would soon evolve into one of the most successful partnerships in bluegrass history.
Reno & Smiley: A Bluegrass Powerhouse
Red Smiley and Don Reno first performed together in 1949, briefly as part of Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith’s Crackerjacks, a country band with a national radio presence. But it was in 1951 that they truly hit their stride, forming Reno & Smiley and the Tennessee Cut-Ups.
Their music featured a unique blend of:
- Tight duet harmonies, with Smiley’s baritone complementing Reno’s tenor
- Slick arrangements and high production values
- A mix of bluegrass gospel, traditional numbers, and original compositions
Some of their most iconic recordings include:
- “I’m Using My Bible for a Road Map”
- “Don’t Let Your Sweet Love Die”
- “Jesus Will Save Your Soul”
- “Maybe You Will Change Your Mind”
Their blend of sincerity, virtuosity, and accessibility made them one of the most radio- and TV-friendly acts in bluegrass during the 1950s.
Pioneer of Bluegrass Television
In 1956, Reno & Smiley launched “Top o’ the Morning,” a live television show based in Roanoke, Virginia. Airing every weekday morning, the show gave viewers a daily dose of gospel songs, comedy sketches, and traditional tunes—making bluegrass part of everyday American life.
Red Smiley, always dressed to the nines and flashing his signature grin, became the face of bluegrass for many television viewers. His clear, steady rhythm guitar and inviting vocal style made him a favorite among fans of all ages.
While Don Reno dazzled with his banjo innovations, Red Smiley grounded the music with warmth and stability—offering both musical structure and friendly showmanship.
Later Years and Legacy
Due to health issues and the physical demands of daily television performance, Red Smiley retired from full-time touring in 1965, though he continued to perform occasionally and record gospel music with various ensembles.
He passed away on January 2, 1972, at the age of 46, leaving behind a rich catalog of recordings and a legacy as one of the most beloved performers of his era.
In 1992, Red Smiley and Don Reno were posthumously inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Hall of Fame, cementing their place as bluegrass pioneers.
The Voice of Harmony
Red Smiley wasn’t a flashy soloist, a driving mandolinist, or a banjo wizard. Instead, his genius was found in subtlety, balance, and tone. His contributions were about holding the music together—whether as a rhythm guitarist, a harmony singer, or a steady presence on the airwaves.
His voice brought warmth to sacred songs, sorrow to heartbreak ballads, and a welcoming tone to audiences from West Virginia to the national stage.
Conclusion
Arthur Lee “Red” Smiley was a pillar of early bluegrass—reliable, warm-hearted, and deeply musical. He helped bring traditional American music into the television age without losing its soul. With a guitar in his hands and a harmony line on his lips, he gave bluegrass a smile and a sound that endures to this day.
His career reminds us that sometimes, greatness isn’t found in flash—it’s found in consistency, kindness, and a voice that knows how to carry a song home.
World Bluegrass Day® 
Leave a comment