Smokey Greene

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Comment by Bob Greene on July 29, 2009 at 12:59pm

This past week end I had the honor of singing a song that I wrote for my Uncle Smokey. Although the singing, playing, forgetting words, knocking knees part was quite pitiful. (Pretty bad when you forget words to a song that you wrote). I wanted to take the opportunity to pay tribute to him, and thought it would be fitting to do so in the town where he got his professional start in 1946, well before my time. Thanks to Terry at the Danby festival for allowing me to make a fool of myself. I tried to capture the essence of Smokey with the following,titled: Smokey and Ben.
They step out on the stage to play, just the two of them
Smokey Greene the legend and his faithful sidekick Ben
Smokey is a man you see that seems to never tire
Ben is just an old guitar made of wood, hide glue and wire

They might not be the flashiest or the ones most loud
but they can pull a 'G' run that would make old Lester proud
or maybe do some flat pickin' in the old Don Reno style
but the Smokey/Ben signature lick, it really drives 'em wild.
Chorus: They can play a symphony of love
like a thousand violins playing from above
really gonna miss 'em, one day when we loose 'em
yes, the older the violin the sweeter the music

They Waltzed Across Texas so many times it seems
wore the soles off their boots and busted some strings
and the Red Headed Stranger is no longer a stranger
but more like an old friend to them
Smokey sings I Never Go Around Mirrors
'cause I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore.

Smokey says he's getting old and Ben is slowing down
but the crowds still clap and cheer for them when the curtains falling down
They might do your favorite song but this I'll guarantee
before the set is over they will do one of E.T.'s
Chorus:

Now don't be getting any crazy ideas because I wrote this song
that we think it's time to stop,that surely would be wrong
So grab old Ben sing some songs, have yourself some fun
show these young whipper snappers how it should be done
Chorus:

So if you appreciate what Smokey & Ben have done
Keeping country, country while mixing in some fun
traveling around from show to show, the miles and hours long
stand right up and sing along as we end up this song
Chorus:
End of song.
Here's to you Smokey, keep it up for many more years. Bob

Comment by Corey Zink on April 12, 2009 at 12:39pm

Smokey,
I can't tell you how greatful i am to have a recording that you and i are singing on together. It is a true honor to have you a part of the project. I could not be more proud of the finished product. Thanks again.

Comment by Dianne Tattersall on March 1, 2009 at 12:48pm

I remember the first time I heard Smokey sing--what a voice and he sang with such feeling--love the ballads. Over the years as I got to know Smokey and was no longer tongue-tied to talk with him, we had some great times, I think my favorites are when he would wander over to our camp site and just sit down and sing his favorite songs. It was such a great time and we rarely had to ask for a song, he'd go on and on. Of course, I also have to mention how great it was if he and Bob French showed up at the same time. Wow! Loved it when they get into a song war. And lastly, I remember making spaghetti feeds for him and Don Stover--the more garlic, the better--right Smokey.?P.S. Happy Birthday from one Pisces to another. Think of me the next time you sing, "What Have You Got Planned tonight, Diana?"

Comment by ed greenwood on February 25, 2009 at 2:29pm

Anyone who has witnessed Smokey's extraordinary talent as an entertainer and communicator for an audience that never tires, and fully understands the message he is conveying. Keep it simple, keep it real, laugh or cry...keep it country.
So many people today try very hard to become a character...well, Smokey is a genuine character, trys to be honest without being hurtful, sympathetic without being condescending, and through it all, has never lost the naughty boy look in his eyes..

Comment by The Hemingway Brothers on February 25, 2009 at 12:03pm

Smokey Green has been in inspiration to all Northeastern musicians. His ability to walk onto a stage with just his old Martin guitar and make the audience laugh, cry and most importantly reflect on their own lives through the words of his songs is untouched by any other artist. I have watched him all of my life and look forward to many more years of his great music and stories. Thank you Smokey !!
The Hemingway Brothers

Comment by Rich S. on February 25, 2009 at 9:14am

Thank you Smokey for all of the inspiration, laughs and music for all of these years and I just want to say, Keep up the Good Work!

Rich

Comment by eleanor on February 23, 2009 at 2:53pm

I dont know Smokey my self but he has been a friend of my brother-in- law, Don Mylott and my sister-in-law Honey for years. Honey is Roland's sister. Whenever they speak of him it is with such warm regards. They have told many times of the great times they have had visting, picking, and singing together. I have heard him play and sing many times on tapes Don has shared with us. Sounds like a great man who means alot to alot of people.

Comment by Puggles on February 19, 2009 at 5:21am

Smokey is now entertaining the third generation of this family, starting in Skowhegan/Cambridge Maine. No bluegrass festival is complete without Smokey. We're among his biggest fans. I believe it took great courage for him to sing his son about a son dying of aids and I'm sure it made many people sit back and think. I honor him for bringing us that song and story. His gospel sets, regardless of one's personal beliefs, always bring us back to the basics of life - love and forgiveness, faith and strength.

Comment by Gloria on February 18, 2009 at 7:35am

Just wanted to share my leaning moment with Smokey and Midge with everyone on here. We had the honor of having dinner with them this past Sunday, and Midge, you're a great cook. The meal was fantastic. You guys were just so friendly and hospitable and we enjoyed our visit with you so much. If I had the money, I would buy the place that for sale right next to you. I'm sure we'll be back down in your area again and hope to see more of you. Looking forward to Wrenche's this year. Love you two.

Comment by Kendall Morse on February 10, 2009 at 7:54am

I met Smokey about 30 years ago at a Bluegrass festival in Brunswick Maine. You know how it is with some people? either they make your skin crawl or you feel like they are old friends from years ago and you are totally comfortable immediately. That's how it was with Smokey. I was so impressed by his showmanship that I became not only a friend, but a loyal fan.
From then on, I went out of my way to watch him work. Man, what an entertainer!
He and that old Martin D-21 were one unit, and I thought, "What would he do with my 12 string guitar"?
After the festival he visited with my Brother, Erlon and me, and I handed him my 12 string. He took it and played the hell out of it! It was like it was his! This is a man size guitar but he had full control over it.
I'm some glad I went to that festival. It was the beginning of a long close friendship.

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