Smiley Burnette's journey in the entertainment industry began after high school, where he worked on a local radio station and in Vaudeville, showcasing his passion for music. During this time, he formed a close friendship with legendary singer and actor Gene Autry, and the two collaborated on the popular radio show "The National Barn Dance". As Westerns gained immense popularity with the advent of sound, studios sought out talented singing cowboys, and in 1934, both Gene Autry and Smiley made their debut in the film "In Old Santa Fe". Smiley's memorable portrayal of Frog Milhouse, Gene's plump sidekick, earned him widespread recognition, and the duo went on to work together in over 80 Westerns.
In addition to his on-screen appearances, Smiley also provided comedic relief for other cowboy stars at Republic Pictures, including Sunset Carson and Charles Starrett (The Durango Kid). Moreover, he contributed significantly to the music in these films, having written over 300 Western songs and singing many of them himself. Smiley's remarkable talent and versatility earned him a place on the Top Ten Western money-maker list, making him the first supporting actor to achieve this feat.
One of Smiley's most iconic characteristics was his trusty white horse, which featured a distinctive black circle around one eye. When he appeared as 'Spec Specialist' Smiley Burnette, he rode a team of white horses, each with a black circle around one eye. As the 'B' movie Western era came to a close in 1953, Smiley retired from the screen, but he continued to make occasional television appearances, including a regular spot on the music show "Ozark Jubilee" in 1959. His final performance was as railroad engineer Charlie Pratt on the popular sitcom "Petticoat Junction", which he starred in from 1963 to 1967.
