Our Mission
Smiley's Unique Universe's focus is to provide talented individuals the opportunities to reach their potential. Some consider us a jack of all trades, as we manage talent in the music, film, and creative writing worlds. What Smiley's Unique Universe provides is the direction to a brighter future combined with our 35 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry.
When we are not taking the Georgia entertainment world, by storm, we run two charity foundations that raise money for veterans, the Athens community, and children. One of these charities, that is close to our heart, is The Umbrella of Love Foundation. This charity raises money for the issues Athens Georgia faces with mental health, addiction, hunger, homelessness and gangs. See the links above to find out more information about this charity and the artists we represent.
When we are not taking the Georgia entertainment world, by storm, we run two charity foundations that raise money for veterans, the Athens community, and children. One of these charities, that is close to our heart, is The Umbrella of Love Foundation. This charity raises money for the issues Athens Georgia faces with mental health, addiction, hunger, homelessness and gangs. See the links above to find out more information about this charity and the artists we represent.
About Us
Our PurposeSmiley's Unique Entertainment exists for the purpose of bringing talented artists to people that love any genre. We look to help the individuals we manage move forward in their careers as they join us in this mission. All of our acts and entities we work with will be supported by a staff which is knowledgeable and passionate about the Entertainment Industry which creates a family like atmosphere.
Our Core ValuesSmiley's Unique Entertainment is like a family, ran like a business, but with a rich company history. Our success is built on this history and on employee successes and accomplishments. Employees are treated with respect, integrity and fairness, are recognized for their contributions to the company, and are rewarded according to their performance.
Passionate About EntertainmentSmiley's Unique Entertainment management and employees are typically active or retired professional musicians, music educators, college graduates , or people with experience from their fields of expertise. Employees and management have a passion for the industry and a desire to share that passion and experience with customers of any age and of any ability level, as well as to help them reach their full potential.
Expert Entertainment KnowledgeAll of Smiley's Unique Universe will have extensive entertainment knowledge that they will share with employees and artists. Smiley's has high expectations for employee knowledge and expertise, and will always strive for a full range of entertainment specialties.
Our Core ValuesSmiley's Unique Entertainment is like a family, ran like a business, but with a rich company history. Our success is built on this history and on employee successes and accomplishments. Employees are treated with respect, integrity and fairness, are recognized for their contributions to the company, and are rewarded according to their performance.
Passionate About EntertainmentSmiley's Unique Entertainment management and employees are typically active or retired professional musicians, music educators, college graduates , or people with experience from their fields of expertise. Employees and management have a passion for the industry and a desire to share that passion and experience with customers of any age and of any ability level, as well as to help them reach their full potential.
Expert Entertainment KnowledgeAll of Smiley's Unique Universe will have extensive entertainment knowledge that they will share with employees and artists. Smiley's has high expectations for employee knowledge and expertise, and will always strive for a full range of entertainment specialties.
Our President and Founder: Larry Hurley
Alex Cooley during the renovation of the Capri Ballroom, which opened in February 1979 with Waylon Jennings as the first performer. The Capri eventually became the Roxy, which in turn became the Buckhead Theatre.
Our Story
Over the past few decades, Larry Hurley has established himself as a leading industry professional with experience in booking, artist and show management, and has built a reputation for himself among artists/venues on a national and international scale. In late 2020, he officially formed Smiley’s Unique Entertainment, as well as its subsidary company, Smiley’s Unique Music.
Working with Alex Cooley
Larry, otherwise known as “Smiley”, trained for several years under the late great Alex Cooley. Known as the unofficial “mayor of Atlanta music”, Alex Cooley is credited as the man who “brought Rock N Roll to Atlanta”. Founder of the Altanta International Pop Festival two weeks before the famous Woodstock concert in 1969, his second Atlanta International Pop Festival would be the largest gathering in Georgia until the 1996 Olympic games. In 1994, Cooley recognized his long time dream as he promoted the first Music Midtown, which since has expanded into a massive annual internationally recognized 3-day festival. Working under Alex, Larry directly worked with many national and international acts including the Allman Brothers Band, members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mother’s Finest, Glenn Phillips, etc.
Alex Cooley also owned and operated “Alex Cooley’s Electric Ballroom” from 1974-1979 before became the “Agora Ballroom”. The historic building burned down in 1987.
You can read more about Alex Cooley’s legacy HERE.
Alex Cooley also owned and operated “Alex Cooley’s Electric Ballroom” from 1974-1979 before became the “Agora Ballroom”. The historic building burned down in 1987.
You can read more about Alex Cooley’s legacy HERE.