Biography

Disc jockey and promoter. Born February 12, 1922. Full name: Donald Smith. Disc jockey and show promoter based in Des Moines. Career most active 1950s-1960s.

Interview Summary

1995 March 4
(1 hour, 26 minutes)
Disc jockey and promoter Smokey Smith discusses his career in country music. Discussion includes his early musical influences; the development of his career; joining KRNT-Des Moines; working with different promoters, including Mel Foree; his audience; his involvement with the Country Music Disc Jockeys Association (CMDJA); experiences from his work as a show promoter, including booking Elvis Presley; working with Lucky Moeller; and an overview of his career.