Brett Smiley

The Profile

Brett Smiley (born September 25, 1955 – died January 8, 2016) was an American glam-rock singer and actor. Championed by Andrew Loog Oldham, he recorded Breathlessly Brett in 1974; the album was shelved and later released in 2003 by RPM/Cherry Red.

Recorded and produced in the mid-1970s with Andrew Loog Oldham; released the single Va Va Va Voom on Anchor in 1974; the album Breathlessly Brett, recorded circa 1974, was officially issued in 2003 by RPM/Cherry Red. His style drew comparisons to David Bowie and Marc Bolan. Widely regarded as a cult artist; died in 2016.

Pinhead’s review recounts Brett Smiley’s brief, glittering glam moment with Andrew Loog Oldham: a 1974 single on Anchor, a shelved album later issued by RPM/Cherry Red as Breathlessly Brett. The music blends Bowie/Bolan glam with New York Dolls grit. Despite heavy hype, sales flopped and the album was mothballed until 2003. Smiley died in 2016, cementing his cult status.