DON RENO, RED SMILEY (AND THE TENNESSEE CUT-UPS)
- One of the of the pioneering first-generation bluegrass bands.
- Very popular and influential throughout the 50’s and 60’s.
- Worked numerous radio and television shows across the south, including the Old Dominion Barn Dance in Richmond, VA and the “Top of the Morning” TV show in Roanoke, VA. They also made guest appearances on the Arthur Godfrey TV Show.
- They incorporated elaborate comedy routines and skits into their act. As comedians, they were known as “Chicken and Pansy Hot-Rod and the Banty-Roosters.”
- Last album recorded together: May, 1971, Letter Edged in Black (Wango Records).
- Smiley died in 1972. Bill Harrell replaced Red for about a dozen years, and Don kept the Tennessee Cut-ups together until his own death in 1984.
- Reno and Smiley’s personal manager for many years was Carlton Haney, organizer of the first bluegrass festival in 1965 (Fincastle, VA).
- 1992, Reno and Smiler were inducted together into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:
- Don Reno, Red Smiley & the Tennessee Cutups: The Early Years 1951-1959
(Gusto)
- Don Ren0, Red Smiley & the Tennessee Cutups: 1959 -1963
(Gusto)
- Sweethearts In Heaven – The Complete Dot Recordings 1957-1964
(Bear Family).
- Bluegrass 1963
(Rural Rhythm) Recordings from their “Top of the Morning” TV Show.
- True Meaning of Christmas
(King) This is one of the first bluegrass Christmas albums ever recorded. It’s a classic.