Over 60 years ago, The Platters recorded “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” a song originally written by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach in 1933. The Platters’ rendition, released in 1958, became a chart-topping hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. The song had earlier success with various artists like Paul Whiteman, Leo Reisman, Emil Coleman, and Ruth Etting recording it in the 1930s.

Despite widespread acclaim for The Platters’ version, Jerome Kern’s widow disapproved of it, considering it a departure from the original intended style. She even contemplated legal action to stop its distribution, but the publisher, Max Dreyfus, revealed he had suggested the song to The Platters’ manager. Facing the prospect of the single selling over a million copies, Mrs. Kern decided against pursuing legal action. “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” remains a classic, known for its poignant lyrics and The Platters’ soulful rendition.