The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Please Consider Raising Your Voice Against Violence

You may know that Tony Bennett and his son Danny have partnered with the Brady Campaign to start a grassroots campaign called Voices Against Violence to contact our representatives in Congress to ask them to pass common-sense guns laws to keep our communities safe.

Since the launch of this campaign on the Piers Morgan show on CNN last week, nearly 10,000 calls have been made. Today, Paul McCartney has lent his voice to Voices Against Violence, joining other celebrities including Alec Baldwin, Gloria Estefan, Josh Groban, kd lang, Mia Farrow, Juanes and many more.

To participate, text MYVOICE to 877877. You’ll be asked to provide your zip code and then you’ll hear Tony or Paul McCartney thank you for your support and you’ll be automatically connected to a senator from your state.

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Song of the Day: Smile

Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin was born on this day in 1889 in Walworth, UK.  To honor Sir Chaplin, our song of the day for April 16, 2013 is Smile.

About This Song

Charlie Chaplin wrote Smile as an instrumental for his 1936 file Modern Times. John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons added the lyrics in 1954.

The Lyrics

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

About This Version

Today’s version is from Tony Bennett’s The Movie Song Album, released in 1966.  Mr. Bennett has sung this song at the end of every concert of his I have ever attended, always sung with deep heart and love.  It’s always the high point of the concert, at least for me.  And I have to say that when times have gotten tough, I turn to this song every time.

http://open.spotify.com/track/4VVW7zufMomMHQ3gg6VljG
Smile, as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.

And, with thanks to YouTube, here is the final scene of Modern Times with Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard with the instrumental version of Smile.

 

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Our Thoughts Are With Boston

The Year of Tony Bennett extends its deepest condolences to the victims and their families in Boston. We are encouraged by the selfless actions of the first responders who, once again, exhibited the great bravery of those who rush headlong into danger to help others.

We acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the local, state and federal officials who are investigating this horrible crime and wish them the very best in their investigation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, not just tonight and tomorrow, but for the long haul as the victims, the citizens of Boston and indeed the entire nation recover from this terrible act of violence.

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Song of the Day: Then Was Then, Now Is Now

The song of the day for Monday, April 15, 2013 is Then Was Then, Now Is Now.

About This Song

This song was written in 1965 by Cy Coleman and Peggy Lee. Yes, that Peggy Lee, who made it the title track for her 1965 album.

About This Version

Today’s song is from one of my favorite Tony Bennett albums, If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, released in 1965.

http://open.spotify.com/track/0UsymPdQ2oCHLrdBDUDpIl
Then Was Then, Now Is Now, as well as the full If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Girl Talk

The song of the day for Sunday, April 14, 2013 is Girl Talk.

About This Song

Girl Talk was written for the for the 1965 movie Harlow by Neal Hefti and Bobby Troup.

About This Version

There’s nothing especially outstanding or meaningful about this song, other than it’s a really good mid-tempo song and Tony Bennett seems to have a great time singing it on his 1966 album The Movie Song Album.  The song was arranged and conducted by the composer, Neal Hefti.

http://open.spotify.com/track/4g4vV1f9GRCTsHXG0sFHF5
Girl Talk, as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.