Smile - Nat King Cole - Acoustic Cover by Rick Hale

A little background on this video and song...
I spent an afternoon standing outside the local shopping mall and asked random strangers to be in this music video. I didn't know any of these good people before the day of the shoot, and I was impressed at how kind they were to me. I literally just met them, and they were nice enough to take time out of their day to smile for the camera. To all who graciously shared your smiles, THANK YOU!!!

I have always loved Nat King Cole's version of this timeless song. It's the type of tune that just puts me in a good mood and melts my worries away. This little version started as a simple acoustic cover, but as I sat down to record it with my friend Stephen Moyer, it just felt right to improve it with a few details (piano, bass, percussion). I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I'm no Nat King Cole, but the message in this song, encouraging all to "light up your face with gladness" has never been more needed than it is right now.

Lately, the world seems plagued with frustration and fear. There's a lot to be sad about when we dwell on the negative. But I hope these warm smiles, coupled with the music and message of this song, help to spread some joy. I think if we view others with love and empathy, kindness will come naturally and will be contagious.

I love you. Thanks for watching, sharing, liking, smiling, and singing along.

-Rick

Song Credit
Written by Charlie Chaplin
Produced by Stephen Moyer & Rick Hale
Mastering: Stephen Moyer
Vocals, Whistle, & Guitar: Rick Hale
Piano: Drew Nichols
Drums: Kit Halloff

Video by Taryn Brady Hale, Sonoran Sky Media
Production Assistants: Ryan Hale & Spencer Lassetter

[julbrady]

I have enjoyed replaying this beautiful song several times today! Thank you for this bright spot on a Tuesday! So Lovely!

[maroni]

Deepest heartache at the age of 56. Alone after 9 years of a (at least for me) happy relationship. Hearing this song with your wonderful voice gave me more comfort than any other person could during the last very hard week. Feels like someone wiping the tears from my face, holding my hand, telling me: You'll get better. It just needs a little time.
From the bottom of my heart: Thank you.

[t.s.t.]

Sweet song, life, love...
That is Rick Hale.
Such sweet song...

[ritaamelia]

This song helped me through a difficult time of my pregnancy. I lost my daughter though but It's like she wanted me to listen to this song and telling me to keep smiling. She was a fighter. Great song. Great cover. Thank you.

[albertusmagnus]

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
For you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear maybe ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile- what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worth while
If you just smile
Oh that's the time you must keep on trying

Smile what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worth while
If you just smile

[ruthliz]

Rick is showing in this video how beautiful people look when they smile :)

[jesuszamoraornelas]

Bellísima interpretación y la verdad no le pide nada a la original de nat king cole dos bellísimas versiones

[donxify]

Those smiles made me smile. My father passed away 3 months ago, and it has been very hard. Smile because life still worth while.

[stephanyvaldez]

I found the Nat King Cole song two years ago while I was going through a breakup and the part where it says "though your heart is aching" really touched me. It took me a long time but I got over it. Now I listen to this lovely version when some days ago my ex wrote to keep in contact and be friends. I believe you have to trust God (life/Universe or anything you believe) and know that all happens for a reason and for the better, let it flow and trust. Thank you Rick for posting these songs, you're doing a great job. Fly me to the moon/Lucky, A dream is a wish your heart makes/Young at heart and this song definitely bring me nice memories, they are part of my life soundtrack.

[antonionadalin]

Beautiful cover with a marvelous voice and musical orchestration . Is it possible to send the guitar chords ? I love this way of guitar playing 🙏✨🎶☀️❤️

[thesimplelife]

Such a beautiful voice singing one of my favorite songs! 🥰🎶❤ Thank you for sharing your musical gifts with the world! 🎶❤💯

[chubbychops]

YOU ARE wonderful...your voice, your beat, your choice of a balm for the soul. THANK YOU

[nildadelarosa]

What a lovely song, keep on smiling THE WHOLE WORLD SMILE WITH YOU MY DEAR .

[mariesiejak]

Très belle chansons, plaine des valeurs (: MERCI

[masterhrenov]

Wonderful song, beautiful message and an incredible rendition, thank you so much. But please, mention the author of the song, he really deserves it.

[greyliberty]

This is the best songs for all the Filipino people who are experiencing challenges amidst COVID crisis

[jesuszamoraornelas]

Esta melodía está hermosa ❤️ es un poema

[t.s.t.]

You add a wonderful modern spin to standards.
Keep singing/swinging.
You have a lot say young man.

[alexbienlaus]

Доброе, теплое исполнение. Спасибо, Рик.

[EnglishIfYouThink]

I loved your version very much. Thank you!😊