Can't Smile Without You
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Can't Smile Without You was a song by singer Barry Manilow, written by Chris Arnold, David Martin, and Geoff Morrow.
It was released on his album Even Now in 1978. The song was released as a single in 1978 where it reached the number one spot on the U.S. A&C, and the number three spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Previously, the song was recorded by The Carpenters on their album A Kind of Hush in 1976, and was featured as the B-side of their hit "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" the following year.
On behalf of the songwriters, publishing company Dick James Music sued George Michael for plagiarism in the mid-'80s, claiming that the 1984 Wham! single "Last Christmas" lifted its melody from "Can't Smile Without You." The case was settled out of court.
Jerry Lewis often sings the song on his annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon, with altered lyrics that speak of their need for the viewers to call in their pledge.
The song was featured in the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral, sung during the first wedding service. It was also featured in the 2002 film Unconditional Love, sung by Kathy Bates and "surprise guest" Barry Manilow on the Sally Jessy Raphael talk show.