June 2025 - "When You're Smiling"

"When You're Smiling" is a classic tune from the Tin Pan Alley era, first published in 1928 by composers Larry Shay, Mark Fisher, and Joe Goodwin. The song quickly gained popularity, with early recordings by Seger Ellis and Louis Armstrong, the latter of whom helped cement its status as a jazz standard.

Tin Pan Alley, the bustling hub of American popular music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was home to countless songwriters and publishers who shaped the sound of an era. Located in Manhattan, this district was known for its assembly-line approach to songwriting, where composers churned out hits that would be sold as sheet music for home entertainment. The industry thrived on vaudeville, Broadway, and the growing influence of radio, producing songs that became ingrained in American culture.

The composers of "When You're Smiling" were part of this vibrant musical ecosystem. Larry Shay, Mark Fisher, and Joe Goodwin were prolific songwriters who contributed to the popular music landscape of their time. Their song gained widespread recognition through Armstrong’s recordings in 1929 and 1932. Over the years, the song has been interpreted by a diverse array of artists, including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and Michael Bublé, further solidifying its place as both a jazz and pop standard. The sentiment of its simple yet uplifting lyrics has resonated with audiences for nearly a century.

Here’s a link to a YouTube video of the tune being performed by finger-style guitar virtuoso Chris White:

Enjoy!

In music and friendship,

—Tull

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