Brett Smiley

Brett Smiley (September 25, 1955 – January 8, 2016)[1][2] was an American singer-songwriter who was active in the UK during the glam rock era of the early 1970s. Smiley released one single, "Va Va Va Voom," and made an appearance on the Russell Harty television show, where he performed the song "Space Ace". One posthumous vinyl album "Brett Smiley Sunset Tower" was released in 2019 in a limited edition of 500 for Record Store Day.

Career

Smiley began his career as a child actor, playing Oliver on Broadway.[1]

In 1974, Smiley—who, at the time, was managed and produced by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham—recorded an album, Breathlessly Brett. The album, which included the songs "Va Va Va Voom" and "Space Ace", remained unreleased until 2003, when RPM Records included it as part of its Lipsmackin' 70s collection.

Smiley also starred as the Prince, in the 1977 American erotic musical comedy Cinderella.

In 2004, rock biographer Nina Antonia published a book about Smiley, The Prettiest Star: Whatever Happened to Brett Smiley.

Smiley still performed occasionally until 2015 in New York City, and was recording songs for a new CD. He died on January 8, 2016, after a lengthy battle with HIV and hepatitis.[1][2][3]

Breathlessly Brett track listing
Breathlessly Brett
Studio album by
Brett Smiley
Released2003 (2003)
Recorded1974
LabelRPM
ProducerAndrew Loog Oldham
  1. "Brett's Lullaby"
  2. "Highty Tighty"
  3. "Space Ace"
  4. "April in Paris"
  5. "Solitaire"
  6. "Va Va Va Voom"
  7. "Run for the Sun"
  8. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (Lennon–McCartney)
  9. "Pre-Columbian Love"
  10. "Queen of Hearts"
  11. "I Can't Help Myself"/"Over the Rainbow"
  12. "Young at Heart"

References
  1. "Glam Rock Cult Hero Brett Smiley Dies at Age 60". Billboard. January 11, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  2. Glam rock cult hero Brett Smiley dies in NYC at age 60: Herald Net. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  3. Dave Thompson (January 7, 2016). "Brett Smiley – Va Va Voom (September 25, 1955 – January 7, 2016) – Goldmine Magazine". Goldminemag.com. Retrieved February 4, 2016.

Further reading
  • Nina Antonia (2005). The Prettiest Star: Whatever Happened to Brett Smiley. SAF Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-946719-72-1.
  • Wired Up by Jeremy Thompson and Mary Blount, ISBN 978-0-615-48876-9



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