Don Reno

Don Reno was a brilliant banjo player who in the early fifties teamed up with singer/guitarist Red Smiley to form a top quality bluegrass duo. In 1952 Don Reno and Red Smiley debuted their unique sound on the Federal label out of Cincinnati. Federal was part of Syd Nathan's King Records empire and for a decade starting in 1955 they made a string of records that were well received by their fans. Although few of Don Reno and Red Smiley's songs charted because bluegrass has never been a mighty mainstream force, songs like "I Know You're Married" and "Love Oh Love, Oh Please Come Home" became long-time favorites of bluegrass fans. In 1964 Don Reno and Red Smiley broke up, but in the late 60s they reunited along with Bill Harrell and continued to perform together until Red Smiley's death in 1972.