en:bio:roy_smeck

Roy Smeck

'Wizard of the strings', 6.2.1900–5.4.1994

Since the 1920s, Roy Smeck appeared in many parts of the US as a vaudeville artist with various string instruments, including the ukulele, and popularized Hawaiian music. However, he could not sing; instead, he entertained his audience with artistic performance practices. He also appeared in films and TV productions and recorded more than 500 records.

It is now generally admitted that the best and simplest way to start making music for your own pleasure or that of others is by using one of the „fretted“ instruments, played with a pick or plectrum. … My own start, as a small boy, was on the Autoharp … It was not long after that that my father taught me three chords on the guitar (which is about all that our hillbilly singers need today) and it was not difficult for me to pick out a similar combination on the now popular ukulele.
My best music teacher was the phonograph, and I learned much about all the fretted instruments by simply listening to good records. …
In due time I acquired a four-string tenor Banjo, and this lively and highly individual instrument fascinated me as much as any other of the fretted family.

Roy Smeck, Roy: Take Your Pick and Play! In: Music Journal 19:1 (1.1.1961), 24

References

  • Smeck, Roy: The Roy Smeck Ukulele and Ukulele-Banjo Method. New York: Wm. J. Smith Music Co. 1928. 63 S.

Media


Tiger Rag


Ukulele Tapping


Impressions of Bill Robinson's Tap and Stair Dance

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„Exhibition Strokes“


Peter Forrest explains „Exhibition Strokes“


Documentation About Roy Smeck (1983)

Downloads