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 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: Smile

The song of the day for Friday, August 19, 2022, 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Smile” on June 24, 1959. It was released as a single in 1959 (Columbia 45: 4-41434) and again in 1962 on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“Smile,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that final scene from Modern Times.

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 17, 2021, is “Smile.”

About This Song

Charlie 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. The lyrics are by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Smile” in 1959, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Burns. It was released as single that year and was also added to the album I Left My Heart In San Francisco.

“Smile,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco is available on Apple Music.

We’ve also got the last moments of Modern Times with Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard:

Smile, Charlie Chaplin , Modern Times, 1936

Smile!

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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.

Smile, Charlie Chaplin , Modern Times, 1936

Smile!

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