Jim Deutsch

Curator of Folklife and Popular Culture at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage who provides historical context and expert commentary on 'Auld Lang Syne' and New Year traditions.

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Dec 31, 2025 • 23min

Auld Lang What? The surprising origins of the New Year’s song

Lizzie Peabody, host of the Smithsonian's Side Door, chats with Jim Deutsch, curator of Folklife and Popular Culture, about the origins of "Auld Lang Syne." They delve into the song's roots in rural Scotland, highlighting Robert Burns' influence. Jim reveals how 19th-century customs and Guy Lombardo's radio shows helped popularize the song in America. The emotional resonance of Charlie Chaplin's film scene, alongside its enduring themes of nostalgia and community, showcases why we sing it every New Year’s.

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