Roy Smeck: The Wizard of the Strings!






Roy Smeck (1900-1994), known as "The Wizard of the Strings," was a master vaudeville and early radio performer. In addition to starring in musical screen shorts, he made over 500 recordings for various companies and wrote instructional/method books and arrangements for the many instruments he played, which included the octachordia (an 8-string lap steel guitar), tenor banjo, 6-string guitar, and the Vita-Uke, which was his own invention. He collaborated with the Harmony Company, which produced "Roy Smeck" ukes, guitars, steel guitars, and Banjos. Smeck's eclectic, unique style came through in his countless performances, early sound films, and original compositions. He was posthumously inducted into the Ukelele Hall of Fame as well as the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame.



Check out this video to get a glimpse into the mastery of Roy Smeck:



It's a shame he's not more well-known today! Share if you agree!



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