Jack Ward Smith, known as Smilin' Jack Smith, was a crooner, radio host and actor. Having been in a singing trio - "The Three Ambassadors" - from age 15, Jack became a solo crooner in 1939, with a voice described as a "strong baritone with a tenor lilt".

Establishing a radio show in 1945, he went on to host such guests as Dinah Shore, Margaret Whiting, John Serry, Sr. and Ginny Simms. Following a guest appearance in the musical film Make Believe Ballroom (1949), Jack was offered the second lead in Warner Bros.' On Moonlight Bay (1951) opposite Doris Day.