The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: People

The song of the day for Monday, November 20, 2023, is “People.”

About This Song

“People” was written by Julie Styne and Bob Merrill the 1964 Broadway production of Funny Girl and introduced by Barbra Streisand. It has been popular since it was written. Streisand’s recording was the number-one song in the country for four weeks in 1964.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “People” in July 1995 for the album Here’s To The Ladies, in which Tony Bennett honors the great women singers of the 20th century. The song is in tribute to Barbra Streisand. It was arranged and conducted by Bill Holman.

“People,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 15, 2023, is “Smile.”

About This Song

“Smile” was written in 1938 by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner, and Geoffrey Parsons. Chaplin wrote “Smile” for his last silent film, Modern Times, which shows Chaplin and his costar Paulette Goddard, walking hand-in-hand up the road as the sun rises and as this song plays, in one of the most iconic scenes ever filmed.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand recorded “Smile” on February 3, 2006, for Duets: An American Classic. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

Duets: An American Classic won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

Tony Bennett won the 2007 Primetime Emmy Award for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for Tony Bennett: An American Classic.

“Smile,” as well as Duets: An American Classic is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that scene from Modern Times with Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard:

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Song of the Day: People

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 20, 2019, is “People.”

About This Song

“People” was written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill in 1964. The song was introduced by Barbra Streisand in the 1964 Broadway production of Funny Girl. This song has been popular since it was written. Streisand’s recording was the number one song in the country for four weeks in 1964.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “People” in 1968 for his album I’ve Gotta Be Me. Today, however, we’re featuring his 1995 recording for the album Here’s To The Ladies, where he sings songs associated with many of the great 20th century female vocalists. “People” is, of course, for Barbra Streisand.

People

Tony Bennett · Here"s To The Ladies · Song · 1995

“People,” as well as Here’s to the Ladies, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Monday, June 24, 2019, is “Smile.”

About This Song

Charlie Chaplin wrote “Smile” in 1936 for his last silent film, Modern Times, which shows Chaplin and his costar Paulette Goddard, walking hand-in-hand up the road as the sun rises and as this song plays, in one of the most iconic scenes ever filmed. The lyrics, added later, were written by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons.

This song is a favorite of Tony Bennett’s and he sings “Smile” at most of his live concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded “Smile” several times. Today we are featuring his duet of “Smile” with Barbra Streisand from the 2006 album Duets: An American Classic.

Ms. Streisand’s birthday is June 24. Please join The Year of Tony Bennett in wishing her a happy birthday.

Smile

Smile, a song by Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand on Spotify

“Smile,” as well as Duets: An American Classic, is available from iTunes.

Here’s that famous scene with Chaplin and Paulette Goddard from Modern Times:

Smile, Charlie Chaplin , Modern Times, 1936

Smile!