Tony Bennett, the king of American Songbook, has passed away at the age of 96.
The internationally renowned singer, whose voice epitomized the essence of
American music, has left a lasting legacy in the music industry.
President Joe Biden has issued a
statement mourning the loss of Tony Bennett. In his statement, President Biden referred
to Bennett as "an American classic," acknowledging his significant
contribution to the music world.
Tony Bennett: A Legend's Legacy Lives On
In 1988, Tony Bennett was captured on camera signing autographs for his fans,
showcasing his popularity and impact on the music scene.
Tony Bennett's death marks the end of an era, leaving behind a rich musical
heritage that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Tony Bennett, the legendary singer who charmed generations of fans with his
smooth voice and timeless style, has passed away at 95. His representative
confirmed that he died on Friday morning in New York City, where he had been
battling Alzheimer’s disease since 2016. Despite his diagnosis, he continued
to delight audiences with occasional live performances and new music releases.
Tony Bennett And Lady Gaga
 |
Tony Bennett And Lady Gaga |
with his second collaboration album with Lady Gaga, Love For Sale. He also bid
farewell to his fans with two emotional concerts at Radio City Music Hall that
same year.”
From Humble Beginnings to Musical Greatness: The Story of Tony Bennett
Bennett rose to fame as a sophisticated crooner in the 1950s and became one of
the most popular singers on the radio. He had a flair for entertaining, with a
cozy nightclub vibe. He carried that persona everywhere. It was like his
custom-made suits: suitable for his age, but always cool.”
He recorded his first songs when he was 20 years old, including the tune “St.
James Infirmary Blues,” which he did right after World War II with a U.S. Army
band in Germany.
Bob Hope gave Tony Bennett his stage name, but his birth name was
Anthony Dominick Benedetto, and he was born in the Astoria area of Queens,
N.Y. Sadly, he lost his father when he was just 10 years old, and had to drop
out of high school to take various jobs to help support his family.
In a 1998 interview with WHYY’s Fresh Air, Bennett shared that he
became a singing waiter in Astoria, Long Island, and despite its humble
nature, it was a job that brought him great joy and contentment.
Bennett also shared that music ran in his family and originated from Italy,
where his father was known for his opera singing. “In Calabria,” he said, “he
had a reputation for singing on top of the mountain. The whole valley would
hear it, and they enjoyed him so much.”
Opera Roots and Bel Canto Techniques: Tony Bennett's Musical Education
Bennett learned opera, especially the bel canto singing technique, with the
help of the G.I. bill. He says a teacher advised him to copy the phrasing of
musicians to find his own style.
His demo of “The Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” reached producer Mitch Miller at
Columbia Records, and Bennett got signed in 1950. He quickly sold millions of
records, and had a 10-year streak of hits.
Collaborating with Jazz Legends: Tony Bennett's Jazz Albums
Bennett was famous as a crooner, but he loved jazz. He wasn’t sure he could do
it.
He always says, ‘I’m not a jazz singer,’ but he has a great sense of rhythm,”
Ralph Sharon, Bennett’s accompanist and arranger for more than 50 years, said
to NPR in 1998. Sharon also said that jazz legends like Duke Ellington and
Miles Davis admired the jazz touch that Bennett added to pop music. “I think
that’s why musicians love to play with Tony, and also like to listen to him,”
Sharon said.
And because he enjoyed listening to them, Bennett wanted to sing with them. He
used his pop fame to make jazz albums with Art Blakey and the Count Basie
Orchestra.
Sharon says that no matter what genre Bennett explored, one thing was obvious:
“I think it definitely is and was a distinctive sound. I think you always knew
it was him.”
The Story Behind Tony Bennett's Iconic Hit: 'I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Then, in 1962, Bennett’s career soared with the song “I Left My Heart In San
Francisco.”
Sharon says the song that became Bennett’s trademark was a coincidence. Sharon
found the sheet music hidden in a drawer, along with some shirts. He packed it
before going on tour.
Sharon recalls, 'We arrived at a place called Hot Springs, Arkansas, and I
pulled this out of my bag, and looked at it, and called Tony. And I said, ‘You
know what, we’re heading to San Francisco next.’ And I said, ‘This is a song
here that might be interesting.’
It turned out to be much more than that. “I Left My Heart In San Francisco”
became an international hit — staying on the U.S. charts for almost a year,
and earning Bennett two Grammy Awards.
Tony Bennett's Legacy of Social Activism and Support for Civil Rights
Bennett used his fame to support social causes, including civil rights. In
1965, protesters trying to march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., were
attacked. The incident became known as “Bloody Sunday.” Two weeks later, Harry
Belafonte convinced Bennett to join him in Montgomery to perform, despite the
violence, as Bennett remembered on CNN in 2013.
“I didn’t want to do it,” Bennett said to CNN, “but then he told me what
happened — how some Blacks were burned. Someone threw gasoline on them and
they were burned. When I heard that, I said, ‘I’ll go with you.’”
Embracing Change While Staying True to His Style: Tony Bennett in the Rock Era
Bennett was aware of the changing times, but he didn’t want to change his
music. Bennett mostly avoided singing rock, the new trend. Instead, he stuck
to standards and recorded two acclaimed albums with jazz pianist Bill Evans.
Bennett played smaller venues and also did some television: The Muppet Show,
David Letterman, The Simpsons and MTV.
In 1994, he sang on MTV Unplugged, with k.d. lang as a guest. The success of
the show and album helped set up Bennett’s next 20 years, introducing his
voice to a new generation. He went on to make duet recordings with everyone
from Stevie Wonder to Lady Gaga, who later became his biggest fan and a bridge
to a legion of new listeners.
He told NPR in 2011 that music was his life and the secret to his longevity.
“I love life,” he said. “I wish I could share with the whole planet what a
gift it is to be alive.”
Being alive, for Tony Bennett, meant pursuing his passions, which included not
only music, but painting landscapes and portraits — signed “Antonio
Benedetto.”
Tony Bennett Greatest Hits
Tony Bennett's career spanned over several decades and produced numerous hits
that have become classics. Here are some of Tony Bennett's greatest hits:
- I Left My Heart in San Francisco
- The Good Life
- Stranger in Paradise
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Because of You
- Rags to Riches
- The Shadow of Your Smile
- Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
- Just in Time
- Blue Velvet
- When Joanna Loved Me"
- The Way You Look Tonight
- Smile
- For Once in My Life
- My Favorite Things
These songs showcase Tony Bennett's smooth, velvety voice and timeless style,
which have made him an enduring icon in the music industry.