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: Emily

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 2, 2017 is “Emily.”

About This Song

“Emily” was written in 1964 by Johnny Mandel (music) and Johnny Mercer (lyrics). The song is from the 1964 film The Americanization of Emily, which starred James Garner and Julie Andrews. It takes place in London in 1944. Emily, played by Julie Andrews, lost her husband, brother and father in the war and finds herself attracted to Charlie Madison, played by James Garner. The film was very well received and is a personal favorite of both of the lead actors.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Emily” in late 1965 for his album The Movie Song Album, which was released in 1966. The lovely arrangement is by Johnny Mandel.

Emily

Tony Bennett · The Movie Song Album · Song · 1966


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

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Song of the Day: Emily

The song of the day for Friday, November 18, 2016 is “Emily.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Emily,” was written in 1964 by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer. This song is from the 1964 film The Americanization of Emily, which starred James Garner and Julie Andrews and takes place in London in 1944. Emily, played by Julie Andrews, lost her husband, brother and father in the war and finds herself attracted to Charlie Madison, played by James Garner. The film was very well received and is a personal favorite of both of the lead actors.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Emily” in 1965 for the album The Movie Song Album, which is favorite of the singer.

Emily

Tony Bennett · The Movie Song Album · Song · 1966


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

About Today

Today we not only honor our songwriter of the month, Johnny Mandel, but also last month’s songwriter of the month, Johnny Mercer, who was born in Savannah, Georgia on November 18, 1909.

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Song of the Day: The Shadow of Your Smile

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 1, 2016 is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

About This Song

Johnny Mandel wrote “The Shadow of Your Smile” with Paul Francis Webster in 1965 for the Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor film The Sandpiper. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow of Your Smile” in 1965 for his album The Movie Song Album, which was released in January 1996. Tony Bennett’s 1965 recording won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Bennett often sings this song in concert; in fact, I had the great pleasure of hearing him sing this song last week in Portland.

The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from "The Sandpiper")

Listen to The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from "The Sandpiper") on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


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

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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.