1. Leroy George Alfred "Roy" Smeck was an American musician.
12 Facts About Roy Smeck
2.
Roy Smeck was one of only two vaudeville artists to play the octachord, an 8-string lap steel guitar.
3.
Roy Smeck was introduced to the instrument by Sam Moore when he played on the bill with Moore and Davis in 1923.
4.
Roy Smeck was unsuccessful in obtaining an endorsement deal with Martin, who limited their support to a twenty percent discount for all performers.
5.
Roy Smeck was known for his work on the Harmony company's Vita-Uke along with a number of other versions sold with his signature across the headstock.
6.
Roy Smeck was an early radio performer, putting together acts for appearances across the country.
7.
On 15 April 1923, Stringed Harmony, a short film starring Roy Smeck made in the DeForest Phonofilm sound-on-film process, premiered at the Rivoli Theater in New York City.
8.
Roy Smeck appeared in the film Club House Party with singing star Russ Columbo.
9.
Roy Smeck appeared with Columbo in That Goes Double, which featured Smeck on a screen divided into four parts, simultaneously playing steel guitar, tenor banjo, ukulele, and six-string guitar.
10.
Roy Smeck appeared on television on variety shows hosted by Ed Sullivan, Steve Allen, and Jack Paar.
11.
Roy Smeck designed and endorsed the Vita-Uke and other stringed instruments marketed by the Harmony Company of Chicago.
12.
Roy Smeck made over 500 recordings for various companies, including Edison Records, Victor Talking Machine Company, Columbia Records, Decca Records, Crown Records, RCA Records and others.