Smiley Roberts,"Still storming the Country" for 60+ years

[Joe Casey]

With over 60+ years (2/3 of his life) of working with and for major Artist, was awarded the Legendary status by his peers of the NTSG board. When you consider the names that puts him as a member with that's quite an accomplishment. Smiley was considered a legend shortly out of his teens in New England. His mother use to drive him to gigs in a neighboring state because he wasn't old enough to get a drivers license. As a Teen he had a radio Show on WTYM,and he was playing on a weekly TV show as well as many hot night spots. After serving an Army stint he resumed his career until he out grew the area then headed to Wheeling W.VA where he was a regular on the Saturday Night Wheeling Jamboree. He was lured to Nashville by his friend Hank Corwin where he still now resides in neighboring Hendersonville. Smiley is true Hall of Fame Material if for nothing else the popularity he has gathered for the instrument. When I found myself in New England (Thanks to Uncle Sam)no matter which state or where I played someone would always ask me if I knew Smiley Roberts? at that time I did not. I was always amazed at his popularity. He was greatly responsible for the Steel gaining a lot of popularity as well a Country music. Hopefully as the ISGA board meet this coming week they will consider what this man has accomplished for himself and for the instrument.(and not hold that against him) LOL Smileys great sense of humor is catchy. In his late 70s and still working as much as he wants to he is always there for his friends and a musician in need. I believe whole heartly that Smiley needs to be in any Hall of Fame for steelers.

[Dale Rottacker]

When I was a kid, somewhere between 74 and 80, Smiley was playing for Tommy Overstreet if memory serves and playing a Dekley... anyhow they were playing at the Pendleton Roundup in Pendleton Oregon, so four or five friends and I went down to see them, and were able to get right up to the front of the stage... When they went on their first break, I went up and introduced myself to Smiley... I was quite bold and asked Smiley if it would be alright for me to come up and sit behind him so I could watch him play when they went back on stage and he was gracious enough to this young upstart to allow me to do just that... Well I can’t tell you what I learned that night, but loved every second being that close to someone of Smiley’s talent... He played up a storm and I took in as much as I could... Smiley had so much talent he was even able to flirt with all the girls down in front and never missed a beat... Anyhow he was very accommodating to this young man and I’ll always remember him fondly for the kindness he showed this nobody... Doubt Smiley remembers any of it, but I always will.

[Larry Dering]

Dale, that is a great story about man with a big heart. I know how much that can mean to a budding young player. One more vote for Smiley.

[Ray Jenkins]

Congrats to you my friend you deserve every award that's out there for the steel,your open hearted kindness and being the great entertainer you are.

[Roger Kelly]

No doubt Smiley is a great guy and very good Steel Guitar Ambassador and fun to be around.