The Steel Guitar Forum

Just got a phone call from our friend Smiley Roberts. He doesn't use a computer anymore, but he said to tell everyone he's alive and well. Not working much but who is these days.

Also, Smiley told me that he's featured as a comedian of sorts between tunes on an RFD-TV show called "Merlin Gene", on Saturday afternoons. I don't get that channel. If you do, check it out.

It sure was great to hear his voice. Been a while.

b0b,

There's a lot of the Merlin Gene Show on youtube. I think you'd enjoy it. Doug Jernigan is all over it, and he's also the steel player on Merlin Gene's recordings.

RC

Smiley called me unexpectedly about twenty years ago after I lost my wife. We both admired Wynn Stewart and he told me a story about him running into Wynn at a Music Store. What a nice guy !! I'm glad he's ok. Thanks Smiley and to you bOb as well for the update.

I have caught the Merlin Gene Show a few times and it is very good. It is on here in Okla. Sat. afternoon at 4:30 pm on RFD-TV and I have Direct TV and it is channel 345 on it. I think I saw something about it being on Sunday also. Check it out if you can. J.R.

As a young kid... I spent a whole evening with Smiley at the Pendleton Roundup when he was playing with Tommy Overstreet. Some friends of mine and I were right up against the stage and at the first break I asked Smiley if he'd mind if I sat behind him when they came back on. He said let me ask Tommy, and I was in. Sat there the rest of the show and hung out during breaks and for some time after. Smiley is a Funny Engaging Dude and unlike me, sure wasn't shy around the girls As a fairly new Steel player and not knowing many other steel players, I hung on his every word. I'll never forget the kindness he showed me back then, as it was quite a highlight for me hanging with a guy playing for a guy on the radio all the time back then. He made that Dekley sound great. Great Player, even Greater Guy.

I consider myself fortunate to get fairly regular texts and phone calls from Smiley. Truly a great guy!

I also miss Smiley not being on the forum. He is a great guy with so many great stories for us all. One that I will always remember, was having Vinegar on French fries.

Larry Petree wrote:I also miss Smiley not being on the forum. He is a great guy with so many great stories for us all. One that I will always remember, was having Vinegar on French fries.

It's a Canadian thing,like "chips'n'gravy".Both excellent!