Jay McDowell

Video

Oral History Information

Interview Date
Job Title
Multimedia Archivist
Company Name
Musicians Hall of Fame

Jay McDowell, known as Smilin' Jay, is the Multimedia Archivist for the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. His father worked with Guild Guitars and was friends with Duane Eddy, who is like an uncle to Jay. As a result, Jay was able to attend the NAMM Show as a kid. As a musician, Jay first played guitar but switched to upright bass when he moved to Nashville in 1992. While working for the Musicians Hall of Fame, Jay records many of their interviews as part of their Back Stage video program. Jay also produces their YouTube program which uses their older interviews entitled The Vault.