20 Great Country Hits

Songwriting
'Bottle Please Let Go Of Me' written by Smiley Bates
'Will You Love Me When I’m Old And Feeble' written by Smiley Bates
'Don’t Tell Jeannie I’m Blind' written by J. Weir

Artwork
Art and Film by Trans Media Graphics

Publishing
Two Brothers Music PRO-C

Liner notes
The Smiley Bates story is a success story both from a musical and a commercial point of view.

Born October 16, 1937 in Kirkland Lake, Smiley grew up in a musical family in which country music was a major part of his life.

His father played the fiddle, performing at square dances, often backed up by assorted musicians, or by his wife who played the piano.

At an early and tender age, Smiley, drawn by the sound of the music would sneak his father’s fiddle and try to reproduce the lively notes that were flooding his mind. Then came the day when his father’s old fiddle was damaged beyond what everyone believed could be repaired but Smiley needed the sounds of the fiddle so he recovered the fiddle from behind the old barn and went on with his music.

Encouraged by his mother, the eager young musician set his mind on some serious practising.

It was obvious to his seven brothers and three sisters that Smiley, the youngest member of the Bates family, was truly talented.

The subtle changes then began to occur, Smiley received his first guitar, it was delivered to him by the Eaton’s Mail Order. This was another major step in launching his career. Other factors in determining his career were those of the dynamic guitar works of Hank Snow and a growing proficiency which enabled him to land his first job at the age of only eleven. Three short years later Smiley formed his own band, and at an incredible 14 years of age he was doing 2 radio shows a week, CJKL Kirkland Lake and CKGB Timmons.

More and more demanding changes then took place, Smiley entered the world of constant travelling, one night club after another, changing personnel in the band and various television commitments.

American offers from Nashville were pouring in but Smiley, being what he is, a Canadian, decided to concentrate his career at home in Ontario and the other Canadian provinces including Newfoundland, The Maritimes, British Columbia and all points between. A major part of appeal for the “Smiley Bates Sound” lies with the material.

Obviously the songs strike a responsive chord with country music fans and Smiley is a straight country singer - “If the people didn’t like what I sing they wouldn’t buy my records, but they do buy them, so I must be doing something right.”

So Smiley will continue to give his fans what they want to hear: down home country songs and fine flat-top picking.

Notes
Manufactured and distributed by The Great Canadian Music Co.
155 University Avenue, Suite 804
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B7
WEE 80-003
℗© 1980
Printed in Canada. All rights reserved.
Photo caption: Left is Danny Trehan, Smiley, and Brother Eric. “And 30 years later, an overnight success”