Host of 'You Asked for It' dies at 92

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., July 10 (UPI) -- Jack Smith, a singer who had his own radio show and became the host of ABC's "You Asked for It," has died in Westlake Village, Calif., at 92.

Smith hosted "You Asked for It" in 1958, then bought the rights and revived it in 1971 for several years, the Los Angeles Times reported. The show had viewers send in requests for things they'd like to see on the air.

Smith was born on Bainbridge Island, Wash., on Nov. 16, 1913, then later moved to California. As a student, Smith wanted to become an architect, but when he learned the Cocoanut Grove at the Ambassador Hotel wanted a trio to replace Bing Crosby's group, he and his friends auditioned. They got the job for $100 apiece per week, the Times said.

Smith's professional career led him to tour with Phil Harris' band and he sang in films and on the radio on "The Philip Morris Show," "Your Hit Parade" and "The Kate Smith Hour."

He became a soloist on CBS' "The Prudential Hour," becoming known as "Smiling" Jack Smith for the "smile" in his voice.

In 1945, Smith had his own 15-minute show every week night on CBS called "The Jack Smith Show," that continued into the 1950s.

Smith's wife of 67 years, Victoria, died in 2003. He had no immediate survivors.