The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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

Tony Bennett · The Movie Song Album · Song · 1966


“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

Tony Bennett · I Left My Heart In San Francisco · Song · 1962


“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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Song of the Day: Smile

On the third day of The Tony Bennett 90th Birthday Bash, August 2, 2016, the song of the day 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 written later.

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

Today, we feature Bennett’s 1965 recording of “Smile” from Bennett’s The Movie Song Album. The very nice arrangement is by Al Cohn.

Smile

Tony Bennett · The Movie Song Album · Song · 1966


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

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Thursday, April 16, 2015 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. This song is a favorite of Tony Bennett’s and he sings “Smile” at the end of his concerts. And I always cry a little bit.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded this song several times. Today I chose his first recording from 1959. It was released as a single; this same version was also used on his wonderful The Movie Song Album. This version was arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns.

About Today

The composer of “Smile,” Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin was born one hundred and twenty-six years ago, April 16. 1889 in Walworth, UK. Both of his parents were actors and singers. When he was only ten, his father died and his mother’s illness meant that Charles and his brother Sydney had to be on their own. Charles started his career as a tap dancer in a group called “The Eight Lancashire Lads.” This led to offers on the legitimate stage and more opportunities in vaudeville. In 1910, he came to the United States, where his vaudeville act brought him much popularity. In 1913, he got his first Hollywood contract with Mack Sennett and Keystone Film Company. In only four years, he was ready to branch out on his own and formed his own film studio. it was during this time he developed his “Little Tramp” character, as seen in one of his very early hits, The Kid, filmed in 1921, which introduced Jackie Coogan. It was followed by films that are still seen and treasured today: The Gold Rush, The Circus, City Lights, Modern Times and The Great Dictator.

For more information about Charlie Chaplin and his career, please visit his official website at charliechaplin.com.

Smile

Tony Bennett · The Columbia Singles, Vol. 6 · Song · 2011


“Smile,” as well as The Columbia Singles, Vol. 6, is available from iTunes.

Here’s the very end of Modern Times, with Charles Chaplin and the exquisite Paulette Goddard.

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Saturday, December 27, 2014 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 are by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons.

About This Version

This is Bennett’s second studio recording of “Smile”; the first was in 1959. It was released as a single and was later included on his 1962 album I Left My Heart In San Francisco. Today’s version was recorded in 1965 and was arranged by Al Cohn and conducted by Johnny Mandel.

About Today

On December 27, 1965, 49 years ago today, Tony Bennett recorded three songs for his upcoming masterpiece The Movie Song Album, which was released in 1966. These three songs were “Smile,” “The Second Time Around,” and “Maybe September.” It was hard to choose a song from these three, but I do love “Smile.”

Smile

Tony Bennett · The Movie Song Album · Song · 1966


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

And yes, it’s Saturday and yes, we have a video. Our video today is from Tony Bennett’s concert at Bumbershoot in Seattle Washington on September 2, 2012. It’s an amateur video and the quality isn’t great. But I was at that performance and I have so many fond memories of the concert; you read about it here. At the end, after a very long standing ovation, he thanked the audience and said “We will remember today for the rest of our lives.” So will we … so will we.

Tony Bennett - Smile (Live 9/2/2012)

Tony Bennett plays Smile by Charlie Chaplin live at Bumbershoot on September 2nd, 2012.