Sharkey was known for playing searing hot and technically virtuoso trumpet with a beautiful tone. His great musical abilities were sometimes overlooked in part because of his love of being an entertainer; he would often sing silly lyrics in a high raspy voice and break into dance routines on stage.
Sharkey was born with the name Joseph Gustaf Bonano in the Milneburg neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, by the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. He was a well regarded professional player by his mid teens, in his youth mostly playing in New Orleans other than a period with Eddie Edwards' band in New York City in 1920. Sharkey then started traveling widely, seldom staying in one place or with one band for more than a few months. He briefly replaced Bix Beiderbecke in the Wolverines Orchestra, and Nick LaRocca in the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. Sharkey first recorded in New Orleans with Norman Brownlee's band in 1925, and soon after had a band under his own name. He returned to New York for work in Jimmie Durante's band, then with the Jean Goldkette Orchestra in 1927, returned to his home town to play with Leon Prima, to Los Angeles, California to work with Larry Shields. After time back in New Orleans played with the Ben Pollack Orchestra in 1936. After leaving Pollack's band he led his own band on 52nd Street in New York for three years. After World War II he toured Europe, Asia, and South America, played residencies in Chicago and New York, and then was a regular on Bourbon Street in the New Orleans French Quarter.
According to one story, Arturo Toscanini heard Sharkey in New York, then hired him to come to a rehearsal of the New York Philharmonic to play a couple of numbers unaccompanied for the orchestra to listen to. After Sharkey did this, Toscanini berated his trumpet section at length about their inabilities to get tones out of their instruments like this jazz musician could.
Sharkey Bonano died in New Orleans.
When You're Smiling
Sharkey Bonano Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He was a kind man,
Helping a fellow along,
One could not see,
One could not walk,
But they both were humming this song;
When you're smiling, When you're smiling,
When you're laughing, When you're laughing,
The sun comes shining through,
But when you're crying you bring on the rain,
So stop your sighing be happy again,
Keep on smiling 'cause when you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you.
I used to worry,
I used to hurry,
Each time it started to rain,
Now I see light,
Learned wrong from right,
And you'll never hear me complain;
When you're smiling, When you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you,
When you're laughing, When you're laughing,
The sun comes shining through,
But when you're crying you bring on the rain,
So stop your sighing be happy again,
Keep on smiling 'cause when you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you.
The song "When You're Smiling" by Sharkey Bonano talks about the power of a smile and how it can brighten up the entire world. The lyrics describe a blind man who is helping another person who cannot walk while both of them hum the song. The song tells us that when we smile, the world around us also smiles, and when we laugh, the sun shines bright. However, when we cry, we bring on the rain, and so it is better to stop crying and be happy again by smiling. The lyrics also suggest that it is better to learn from our mistakes and appreciate the good things in life, which will keep us happy and smiling always.
The song captures the essence of happiness and positivity in just a few lines. It urges us to be grateful for what we have and to appreciate every moment of our lives. The melody is upbeat and catchy, giving the listener a feel-good vibe that makes them want to dance.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw a blind man,
I witnessed a man who was visually impaired,
He was a kind man,
Despite his disability, he was still a good-hearted person,
Helping a fellow along,
He was assisting another person who had trouble walking,
One could not see,
The person he was helping couldn't see,
One could not walk,
The person he was helping had limited mobility with their legs,
But they both were humming this song;
Despite their obstacles, they were both happy and enjoying the moment,
When you're smiling, When you're smiling,
When you are happy and grinning ear to ear,
The whole world smiles with you,
Everyone around you will be more positive and joyful because you are,
When you're laughing, When you're laughing,
When you are laughing and having a good time,
The sun comes shining through,
The world seems brighter and more cheerful,
But when you're crying you bring on the rain,
When you are sad or upset, it feels like you are bringing negativity to the world around you,
So stop your sighing be happy again,
Don't dwell too long on your sadness, instead focus on making yourself happy once more,
Keep on smiling 'cause when you're smiling,
Continue to remain positive and joyful because it has benefits for both yourself and those around you,
The whole world smiles with you.
Your happiness has a ripple effect and can improve the moods of those nearby.
I used to worry,
At one point in my life, I was often anxious and concerned,
I used to hurry,
I would rush through life unnecessarily,
Each time it started to rain,
Whenever anything negative happened, big or small,
Now I see light,
I have a more positive outlook on life and see the good in things,
Learned wrong from right,
I have gained insight and wisdom about what constitutes positive thinking and behavior,
And you'll never hear me complain;
Nowadays, I do not complain about minor setbacks or inconveniences because I am more focused on staying happy and positive.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joe Goodwin, Larry Shay, Mark Fisher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind