His style was influenced by Eddie Lang, Ikey Robinson, banjoist Harry Reser, Johnny Marvin[2] and steel guitarist Sol Hoʻopiʻi.

Smeck was unsuccessful in obtaining an endorsement deal with Martin, who limited their support to a twenty percent discount for all performers.

[7] On 15 April 1923, Stringed Harmony, a short film starring Smeck made in the DeForest Phonofilm sound-on-film process, premiered at the Rivoli Theater in New York City.

Smeck appeared in the film Club House Party (1932) with singing star Russ Columbo.

Smeck played at Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential inaugural ball in 1933, George VI's coronation review in 1937, and toured globally.

He appeared on television on variety shows hosted by Ed Sullivan, Steve Allen, and Jack Paar.