Its genius! First time hearing THE PLATTERS - SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES REACTION

[@John_Chu]

This is singing. Range, control, passion, showmanship. Seriously, this doesn't exist anymore. Tony Williams is his name, Harri.

[@janefones5505]

Now that is a singer.The songs from that Era were so clear..get vocals

[@badrigravesande6952]

Tony Williams what a vocalist

[@dustbat]

For me, no group can top the Platters. That lead singer could have made it in any field of music. What a voice.

[@josephpetite3072]

Best group of the 50s, period

[@alanFconrad]

Insanely great song.....love Tony's incredible voice

[@dstorm7752]

Brilliantly written song too

[@Lakeshore14]

Tony Williams is the lead singer and I could listen to his voice forever. The Platters had quite a few big hits.

[@ayyjayess2304]

Agreed!

[@HockeyDudeJames]

That line when he sings "When your hearts on fire, you must realize, Smoke gets in your eyes"has been giving me goosebumps ever since my first listen ;which was actually from watching the Stephen King Movie. Hearts in Atlantis. I agree!! Haunting beautiful voice. One of a kind.

[@patriciaadams-rl4iz]

This music comes from the heart!!! I am glad, that you gave it a chance, and listened to it. Beautiful voices, lyrics, songs are great from the past.

[@michaelvaristo5238]

Greatest vocalist Tony Williams. Harbor Lights another great song.

[@cinemaipswich4636]

Wonderful song writer. Wonderful singer.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Gorgeous ballad! Excellent reaction, Governor!

[@christinemason2938]

His. Voice is gorgeous! All their songs are equally beautiful! Thx fo4 the memories.

[@danoreal1970]

The BEST of the Best, THE PLATTERS WERE FANTASTIC. Saw them on Dick Clark's BANDSAND, ED SULLIVAN, plus many more! You have no idea how the Music of America, how diverse, how wide & deep 1950s through 1960s.

[@suzanneprock7286]

Grew up on this music, it's priceless! Otto Harbach and Jerome Kern wrote this in 1933.

[@dagmar.6954]

This is another fabulous group from the 50's-60's. This was the time of classy romantic heartfelt songs. Sadly they don't make music like this anymore. They had so many great hits such as "Only You", "Enchanted", "(You've Got) The Magic Touch", "My Prayer", "Twilight Time", "Harbor Lights", "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "The Great Pretender" etc.

[@binslick1000]

His voice is almost out of this world. Rare these days.

[@OrsonBuggy1958]

Rare? More like non-existant.

[@edithdavis2848]

An awesome song and group.

[@Cheryltwin2012]

Oh..the magical voice of the great Tony Williams! He's one of just a handful of singers from that era that just give me goosebumps. The music was so classy and the arrangements were always so beautiful. This is a treat to hear again!

[@ripmod1]

Some of us believe that the platters were the greatest singing group of all time.

[@susanbryner656]

I agree. We may never see another group like this again. I never, ever, heard anything bad, disreputable, or questionable to "anybody" from these folks. I can't say that about many singers, or groups. Truly, Harri.

[@marianneprescott1497]

I love everything thins man has ever sung. He is wonderful. I glad his work is being revisited.

[@opaulamorgan4265]

I love Tony William's voice! All of their big hits were made when I was a teenager🎶🎼👍

[@ajpv6236]

I heard the Platters in 1959 in the movie Europa at night and they sang My Dream and You'll nerver know From this moment on I bought all the Platters' records, I know their complete discography

[@hellonlegs6134]

Love this song so beautiful

[@rjm44nyy]

The voice of the late, great Tony Williams from my hometown of Elizabeth NJ. The Platters have a whole catalog of hits that you might want to check.

[@planojag595]

The Platters are the ones that got me hooked on 50s and 60s Doo-Wop music! Please go down the rabbit hole with The Platters!!! My other favorites of theirs are My Prayer, The Great Pretender, Twilight Time, You’ll Never Never Know, On My Word Of Honor, (You’ve Got) The Magic Touch, and I’m Sorry.

[@lisamariethompson6160]

I love watching peoples reactions to that first “Ohh” is always the best!!

[@vickilee7494]

Classic this song will carry you away

[@edithdavis2848]

The Great Pretender was a favorite.

[@patriciafeehan7732]

My Mother loved song and it always makes me think of her. Thank You 🙏

[@cpklapper]

It is one of my favorite karaoke songs. Tony Williams was my favorite doo-wop singer, and one of my favorite pop tenors to emulate, along with Roy Orbison, Jay Black, Bobby Darin, and Bobby Vinton, because they were in my range. He also reminds me of several opera tenors which I emulate: Wunderlich, Crooks, McCormack, Schipa, the early Caruso, Lanza, Björling, Felix Knight. You are correct in noting that his voice is of operatic quality.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

From the peak days of Tin Pan Alley where composers continuously churned out great music!! Try more from them! MY PRAYER!!!! Twilight Time!

[@carollittle1059]

Oh Harri, you hot Gold either this one!! They are the greatest.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Before Rock and Roll. This was my parents music. Before Chuck Berry Before Elvis Presley. The Platters were a fabulous group.

[@michaelgoulding6609]

the platter,s were popular around the same time as elvis presley & chuck berry, infact i think elvis would,ve been singing before these, only you, i think was one of their first big hits in 1955

[@joelliebler5690]

An all time classic!

[@gergsar]

this is one of the finest songs ever recorded...

[@ReallyFarFarAway]

It's a fact, that this is a class act .. !!!

[@davidfischer8307]

Would definitely recommend "Since I Don't Have You'" by the Skyliners. One of the most iconic 50s ballads, so beautiful.

[@garryjha1]

AWESOME SONG AND SINGER!

[@garyseven5791]

Adored this group. As a boy I got to hear all the 1950s, on my grandfather's old Victrola. The sound is pure Paradise.

[@johnbrookes3261]

Tony Williams had a voice second to none Try reacting to ONLY YOU or THE GREAT PRETENDER they had so many hits . Just a brilliant band . They were up there with the all time Greats .

[@elizabethlatti6130]

A veritable work of art !

[@FleagleSangria]

I love the way that some singers enounciate and elongate the vowels "They AHsk me HOAhw I knohhhw" love it. Reminds me of the way Nat King Cole sang. I wonder what the story is with how that style developed. You hear it in 50s Doo Wop also.

[@AndalusiaGBSpringthorpe6227]

Probably the greatest song ever recorded. The Platters are wonderful. I only came to them via a friend, last week Harry. Take care my frend, love your channel. X

[@wayneresha2608]

My older brothers and sisters owned that album. I was lucky to grow up on The Platters!

[@greybeard2280]

A heart melting ballad from the 50's. When I hear this track I see my mom & dad young and vibrant holding one another on the dance floor. 3 songs they danced to because it was their songs. This is one, "Under the Boardwalk" by the Drifters, and "I Only Have Eyes For You" by the Flamingos. Any of these great artists singing thier ballads will set that loving mood in your hearts.

[@suzie4417]

I totally agree with the three songs you mentioned 💕 Tony Williams lead vocals just take me to the moon 🌙!

[@OverandOutChief1]

Twilight Time has always been a favorite.

[@brendharris3011]

This song was around in the 50's. I was 9 years old when it came out. I agree that it is the most Beautiful love song I have ever heard. I listen to it over and over. Great for people in love !!!

[@johngiovine8792]

You have the BEST music sight period!

[@oneday458]

This is 'THE' version of this song. I'm 63 now and first heard it in the 60's and it was already an old song. It is also on the soundtrack of the "American Graffiti" movie set in 1962 and released in 1973 with an ensemble cast that included actors in their early years who are now big names in acting. 'Twilight Time", "Great Pretender" are also worth a listen.

[@stevetillcock7361]

Age of STYLE and class.

[@MobileExperienceChris]

Awesome review of this song! He had a beautiful voice! Thank you for posting this review!

[@petepower4217]

1933, Jerome Kern: They ask me how I knew My true love was true I, of course, reply "Something inside Cannot be denied" They said some day you'll find All who love are blind When your heart's on fire You must realize Smoke gets in your eyes So I chaffed them And I gaily laughed To think they could doubt To think they could doubt my love But today My love has flown away I am without my love Now laughing friends deride Tears I cannot hide So I smile and say "When a lovely flame dies Smoke gets in your eyes" But today my love has flown away I am without I'm without my love now laughing friends deride Tears I cannot hide So I smile and say "When a lovely flame dies Smoke gets in your eyes"

[@Herman47]

Well, yes, but the words were written by Otto Harbach. I think Mr. Kern came up with the excellent musical arrangement.

[@davidlitchke4964]

The platters. Another word for Class!

[@stevenhambek846]

Oohh yeah Harri you are so correct! I’ve had the smoke in my eyes both good and the not so good. Still don’t regret at all I would do it over and again. Maybe I’ll get it right next time.

[@markwills6452]

wouldn't it be so cool to be in the club while they singing this song.

[@lindadesanto6593]

Everything stops when this song comes on ❤🎶

[@Steve52344]

Tony Williams had the VOICE -- best lead singer of any vocal group -- EVER. If you're not deeply effected by this sound...you're dead.

[@TheCarnivalguy]

Famed American composer, Jerome Kern, penned the music for this beautiful song with lyrics by Otto Harbach. Written in 1933, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes has been recorded by many artists over the years .

[@francoisevassy6614]

Notamment par la merveilleuse actrice Irene Dunne dans le film Roberta (1935).

[@TheCarnivalguy]

@@francoisevassy6614 and one of my favorite actresses. Loved her in Showboat, I Remember Momma, Life With Father, and others.

[@francoisevassy6614]

@@TheCarnivalguy Yes ! And with Cary Grant in Penny Serenade, The Awful Truth and My Favourite Wife… and also Back Street, The Magnificent Obsession, Love Affair, When Tomorrow Comes, Anna and the King of Siam, The Mudlark…etc She was one of the greatest !

[@paulhammond2784]

A great dance song back in the day

[@johnj2763]

Keep up the '50's retrospective harri. It's great.

[@daseguin]

One of the greatest songs ever recorded. Thank you for honoring it.

[@bryanforis1839]

I know about this song when I was 5 years old that was 52 years ago most people today don’t care they want to know what happened a week ago love the song just like 👍 they say it’s to old when like 👍 it when I was5 1969 it was old then

[@jeffcobb2734]

Tony Williams is a GIANT! What a vocal. That "Oooooooh" part is just phenomenal.

[@barrycohen311]

Tony Williams had a wicked set of pipes... Could run rings around any opera singer...

[@owensedo6181]

Yeslord

[@mark-be9mq]

Thanks for this one Harry. It's always great to hear. Love your review.

[@bholmes5490]

The song was written in 1933, and used in several movies. One with Irene Dunne, and I believe Judy Garland. However, no one sings it like Tony Williams. I remember dancing all night to this song at one party. What a singer! Such command. Such a great group of talented people.

[@John_Chu]

Harri, this song was written by the great Jerome Kern (lyrics by Otto Harbach) in 1933 for the musical "Roberta." Of course, Tony Williams and the Platters take it to another level.

[@iluvmusicals21]

Was looking for this; I had to make sure he knew where this song came from.

[@williamfisher8239]

Everything the platters recorded was pure magic. My Prayer still one of my favorites.

[@Herman47]

*Genius Lyrics indeed! The Lyricist was Otto Harbach*

[@texasps91]

This is just One example of the Amazing and Best composers in the 30's and 40's. Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and more. This was written by American composer Jerome Kern and lyricist Otto Harbach for the 1933 musical Roberta. The song was reprised by Irene Dunne, who performed it in the 1935 film adaptation of the musical co-starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Randolph Scott.

[@johnmaloney5912]

The Platters are so easy on the ears, I love all their music ♥️😎

[@Lsaldivar2023]

The Platters was my.moms favorite group. Makes me miss her

[@ronnie237]

I got to see them in person in Miami back in the 60’s. Incredible show.

[@Godlygirl38]

This is become one of my favorite songs and definitely my favorite Platters song. Although, there are so many other good ones too!

[@cpklapper]

The lyricist was Otto Harbach; and the composer was Jerome Kern. It was a Broadway hit well before the Platter’s doowop version.

[@sharonsnail2954]

In the autumn of 1956 I got to see "Rock Around The Clock". I don't know how I got to see it as the film was causing disturbances up and down the UK with dancing in the aisles, seats being ripped up and other vandalism. But at the age of 9, I was taken to the Bluehall, Islington Green (?) and witnessed two songs by the Platters "Only You" and "The Great Pretender". I was mesmerised. The lead singer (who I later found out was Tony Williams) had such a beautiful voice which I tried to imitate much to my parents chagrin. I think I got away with singing "Only You" constantly because my parents liked the song too. "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" was a UK #1 in 1959. The marriage of Tony Williams voice and a Jerome Kern song was made to be. Your reaction to the lyrics is spot on. I didn't have a record player until 1960, so I didn't buy either of these discs until much later when they appeared on a Greatest Hits album. But the Platters songs (see other comments for a list) have stayed with me from my youth into my dotage through many changes in the musical horizon. BTW. There were no disturbances when I attended the cinema 😀😀

[@dennisharnish9063]

I graduated from high school in 1963. This song would play in our cafeteria at lunch time. This brings back nice memories. You have been reacting to such good music lately, thank you.

[@dstorm7752]

A golden year, 1963, before the Vietnam War came to ruin the late 1960s

[@janedc5ch319]

Me too❤❤

[@XX-ol7lf]

The Platters sound is beautiful and filled with images....I often wonder....will anyone evaluate the music from the last thirty years or merely dismiss as souless and without redeeming value. As I do. Great group!

[@EastCoastGal66]

I love , My Prayer! Yes the lead singer is phenomenal! 🔥

[@owensedo6181]

Yeslord

[@kevinhennessey3189]

Another wonderful song from the same genre done in the 50's is "I Only Have Eyes for You" by 'The Flamingos' try it you'll love it Harry.

[@ban6096]

This was one of my Mom's favorite songs when she was young. She is eighty-one now. What class the groups had before and such wonderful voices and lyrics.

[@dboyd1651]

This song was I believe sung in 1934 by Irene Dunne for a movie. This was after the "Great Gatsby" era in America where ideas were more sentimental and then reality sets in. Genius about the smoke getting in our eyes. People were escaping the realities of the Depression and going to movies. The movies were a wonderful way to get away from reality even for a little while.

[@danielc.8875]

Number one song fotr the year. It doesnt get much better.

[@christinegelabert1651]

I grew up with my older brothers playing this and singing in our house. Both my brothers are musicians... One plays the piano, one plays the guitar and sings. BUT when I was in high school my major was Auto Mechanics. My shop teacher Mr Caban huge fan of The Platters. HE had the most beautiful voice and he used to sing this acapella. Years ago, before my vocal chords were injured I used to sing as well. Of course we weren't able to do the range that they did but we did harmonize pretty well together. MANY times after school was over was when we would spend time together. That's when I would have to makes up the work that needs to be done on my cars they came in and we would sing together. He always decided that we would sing together to help the time pass more quickly... He knew that it was very hard for me to have to make up the extra time from class. I was the only girl at that time taking auto shop and it was a VERY HARD experience for me. NOBODY want me to be in that class at all. They made that very clear from the first day when somebody in the back of the room through a wrench in my head but they missed. MANY TIMES the boys would say that there was still busy with tools that I needed. MANY TIMES tools all of a sudden will disappear that I needed to use. Myself and Mr Caban would end up spending time looking for them and find them hidden somewhere behind other things in the shop. Sometimes we'd find them in the oil or transmission fluid supply boxes... Wedged way down behind them or sometimes hidden underneath! Mr Caban exactly what they were doing but we never knew which one of them was doing it because they were all in on it together. So I ended up spending a lot of time after school in the shop. My car has had to get repaired~no matter what. Like I said with my brothers, I had heard the music of The Platters before. BUT when it came to Mr Caban... He knew every single song they had ever put out! HE was one of the hardcore fans. So he would sing that almost every day because he knew it was one of my favorites! HE IS the main reason why I became such a huge fan of The Platters. He was such a wonderful mentor to me when I was a teenager. He had three young sons and lived in New York City with his wife. My school was out on Long Island and after high school I came to him and let him know I was getting married. Even though I wanted to invite him and his wife to the wedding I wasn't in charge of the guest list. We had three sets of parents involved. Mine, and my ex-husbands mother and her husband, and his father and his wife. I was absolutely stunned when I was walking back down the aisle after getting married and greeting everybody on my way out of the church. I looked it's one of the pews and there Mr Caban was with his wife and his three boys. I went over to him and hugged him and kissed him and I said I can't believe that you came all the way out here from Jamaica Queens for my wedding! He said I know you didn't think that I would let MY LITTLE CHRISSY get married without me coming to see you! He always used to call me my little Chrissy because I was in a way like a daughter that he never had and that's what he used to tell me. Now that he's passed on this song will always remind me of him so that's another reason why I love this song so much. ❤️❤️❤️

[@solitarybee3714]

Thank you, Chrissy, for your wonderful story. No wonder you love this beautiful song so much.

[@randallmccoy8581]

EPIC STUFF. Thanks for checking out the platters. Nobody like them before or since. Those vocals are haunting. Check out the Platters ONLY YOU....my personal favorite.

[@bobr4987]

And don't forget "Harbor Lights". So many great songs on their list!

[@saturnarmy3636]

This song was written around 1933 by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach for the Broadway musical 'Roberta'.

[@queenbeedat8726]

My mother loved this song. She loved music and singing. Such sweet memories listening to her records and we both singing. I miss you so much Mom. I love you. 💔

[@karenrussell3326]

50+ years ago I listened to this music and it still gives me chills.

[@dstorm7752]

Let's dance in the high school gym...

[@americanaforever6725]

One of my all time favorites. Tony Williams was just amazing

[@patsaylor8973]

That is not Tony Williams it is Buck Ram!

[@americanaforever6725]

@@patsaylor8973 1958 Tony Williams was their lead and his voice is very recognizable

[@americanaforever6725]

@@patsaylor8973 I believe Buck was the producer of this recording

[@patsaylor8973]

@@americanaforever6725 Buck Ram was their lead singer and then Tony Williams was later.

[@dellx3048]

First time I went to the cinema was to watch Rock around the clock with Bill Hailey and the Comets. It had many artists performing including the Platters. Maybe one the first rock movies of its time.

[@terrysimpson3092]

Great song. Great group.

[@KristineT4525]

Love! Love! Love this song!

[@MobileExperienceChris]

Wonderful review Harry. Thanks for posting

[@robertlhamilton5769]

This is an old song that was covered by the Platters in the 50s. It was written some years before the Platters recorded it. This was a 50s dowapp version. It has been widely reported that the widow of the author of the song, who obviously was gone from the earth for some time, was furious at the Platters version. Before them it was performed very differently. As was all the music of that time. But it's an interesting bias that can exist toward modern music that cannot be accepted by some people who need their music in a particular format. The irony is she...the widow of the writer of the song....should have been eternally grateful for the Platters introducing her late husband's song to a complete generation of music lovers and for it becoming so famous once again and in a way that I cannot imagine a more amazing and beautiful rendition.

[@patrickwellington4214]

Masterpiece,this was a majestic group from the 1950s,along with the Drifters and the Flamengos.The lead singer of the group was Tony Williams,what a beautiful tenor voice he had.I have always believed that this man had a background in classical singing.Note the range,the passion in his voice.He pronounces every word clearly ,great diction.What did you think of that last note.The Platters were pure class,that cannot be disputed.Great selection,well done.

[@steveandtammyb]

I’m watching this in September and it’s making me think of my mom who died almost two years ago. This was music she played and I remember this song and many others from that era. Sweet memories of listening to my mom sing along with the “record”.

[@suzie4417]

My brother & I listened to The Platters & danced around the house when we were teens, some wonderful memories from the 50’, 60’s & 70’s !! We were (are) so lucky to have this music when growing up, now you are helping to carry on these precious tunes. I couldn’t live without music & taking trips back to share & enjoy your Reactions is so much fun !! 🤗🇨🇦🎵☮️

[@brucecronin6396]

YES !! One of the greatest !!