The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Friday, March 20, 2020, 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 by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons were added later.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Smile” as a single in 1959, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Burns. The single was included on Bennett’s 1962 album I Left My Heart in San Francisco.

“Smile,” as well as I Left My Heart in San Francisco, is available from iTunes.

And here’s that beautiful scene from Modern Times, with Charles Chaplin and Paulette Goddard.

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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!

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Playlist of the Week: Tony Goes to the Movies

The playlist of the week for May 19, 2019, is Tony Goes to the Movies.

Tony Bennett has recorded many songs from films. These are some of my favorites.

Tony Goes to the Movies

Tony has recorded many songs from films.

If I Only Had a Brain by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg from The Wizard of Oz
The Shadow of Your Smile by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster from The Sandpiper
Steppin’ Out With My Baby by Irving Berlin from Easter Parade
Days of Wine and Roses by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer from Days of Wine and Roses
Samba De Orfeo by Luiz Bonfá from Black Orpheus
Emily by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer from The Americanization of Emily
Top Hat, White Tie and Tails by Irving Berlin from Top Hat
Smile by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner, and Geoffrey Parsons from Modern Times
Maybe September by Percy Faith, Jay Livingston, and Ray Evans from The Oscar
Watch What Happens by Michel Legrand, Jacques Demy, and Norman Gimbel from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
The Way You Look Tonight by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields from Swing Time

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Song the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Monday, August 28, 2017 is “Smile.”

About This Song

“Smile” was written by Charles Chaplin, with lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, 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. This song is a favorite of Tony Bennett’s and he sings “Smile” followed by “When You’re Smiling” at the end of his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this beautiful version of “Smile” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album.

Smile

Smile, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Smile,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.

I’d like to ask anyone that can spare a few dollars to consider donating to American Red Cross for the relief efforts in Houston. The hurricane was just the beginning; much south-eastern Texas will be severely flooded and many people displaced.

I support the American Red Cross

Please help the victims of Hurricane Harvey by making your financial donation to the American Red Cross’ disaster relief services such as shelter, food, comfort, etc.

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Saturday, June 3, 2017 is “Smile.”

About This Song

Charlie Chaplin wrote “Smile” in 1946 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 were written by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. This song is a favorite of Tony Bennett’s and he sings “Smile” followed by “When You’re Smiling” at the end of his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded his first version of the song “Smile” in 1959 with Ralph Burns and His Orchestra; Burns also did the arrangement. It was originally released as a single in 1959 and was included on Bennett’s album I Left My Heart in San Francisco, released in 1962.

Smile

Smile, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Smile,” as well as I Left My Heart in San Francisco, is available from iTunes.

About Today

For our Saturday video, here is that iconic scene from the end of Modern Times. The clip was made available by the Chaplin estate and the quality is unbelievably fine.

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