"More than attitude, more than talent, music is about unity." Words to live by and the motto for this second generation entertainer.

Eugene has the work ethic and push for excellence that has enabled him to work with nearly every mainstream blues outfit in Kansas City. Eugene has also performed behind several national blues artists to include Brody Buster, Chick Willis, Vernon Garrett and Kelley Hunt.

Eugene got his start in 1989 playing with King Alex and the Untouchables, then a novice keyboard player. Though happy as member of the Untouchables, Eugene had a great passion to become a very good bassist.  For five years Eugene watched as he performed with some of Kansas City’s best bassist. Eugene practiced the “licks” of his mentors.

Eugene was able to learn the “do’s and don’ts” of performing from his father, Eugene Smiley, Sr.  “It’s not what you like, it’s all about satisfying a crowd.”  In 1997, Eugene started his band “Out of the Blue”. Singing and playing selections of blues, 70’s funk/dance/Rhythm & Blues and Classic Rock & Roll, it wasn’t long before Eugene was recognized as a potential star player.  Eugene’s break as a bassist came when he was asked to return to Cotton Candy and So Many Men as the bassist.  Cotton Candy had just won the KC Blues Society’s Best Blues Band contest and had taken third place over all in the national competition.

Today, you will find Eugene's bass, piano and vocal talents on the following projects: KC Brass and Electric CD - "Tell Me What You Want", Brody Buster CD's- "Blue Devil" and "Clearing The Smoke", Eugene Smiley, Sr.CD - "Straight from the Soul", Big Slim's Full House Blues Band CD- (not yet titled), and Big Woody's Blues Band CD- "Under the Covers".   

Performing behind Brody Buster, Eugene has toured the country playing the best venues in the US, as well as opening for some of the greatest artists in the world.  The Little River Band, Delbert McClinton, WAR, Joe Walsh, Shamikia Copeland and The Dixie Cadillac’s.  Eugene’s attitude and work ethic has opened many doors. The future for Eugene Smiley, Jr. is bright indeed.