On July 21, 2023, the world lost an irreplaceable legend as Tony Bennett.
An iconic figure in American music, passed away at the age of 96. Born as Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, in Astoria, Queens, New York, Bennett rose to fame with his mesmerizing singing and remarkable interpretive abilities spanning various musical genres.
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Hailing from a grocer’s family, Bennett spent his formative years in Astoria, New York, nurturing his passions for singing and painting. His vocal instructor encouraged him to explore the world of instrumentalists, leading him to master the intricacies of jazz. After serving in the army during World War II, he embarked on his singing career in 1949, and his life took a transformative turn the following year when the legendary Bob Hope discovered him in a nightclub and renamed him Tony Bennett, leaving his former stage name, Joe Bari, behind as forgettable.
During his stint at the Paramount Theatre in New York, Bennett’s captivating rendition of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” resonated deeply with audiences, eventually landing him a contract with Columbia Records. This marked the beginning of a string of hits, including chart-toppers like “Because of You,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Stranger in Paradise,” “Just in Time,” and the beloved “Rags to Riches.”
Throughout the 1950s, Bennett collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Count Basie, Stan Getz, and Zoot Sims, receiving accolades for his work with jazz musicians. In 1962, he achieved one of his most significant hits, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” a song forever associated with his name. Although he faced a dip in popularity during the late 1960s and early ’70s, he made significant contributions under his own label, Improv, collaborating with jazz artists like Ruby Braff and Bill Evans, resulting in some of his finest works.
Bennett’s career renaissance began when he returned to Columbia in 1986 and released “The Art of Excellence,” which received widespread acclaim. A pivotal moment ensued when his son and personal manager, Danny Bennett, launched an ambitious campaign to expand his father’s audience. The ensuing decade proved to be the zenith of Tony Bennett’s career, with numerous Grammy-winning or nominated albums dedicated to legendary artists such as Irving Berlin, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington.
In 1993, Bennett endeared himself to “Generation X” with a memorable appearance on the MTV show Unplugged, securing two Grammy Awards for the album of that performance, which dominated the jazz charts for 35 weeks. While some perceived a certain “camp” factor in his popularity among the younger generation, Bennett earned their respect by staying true to himself and displaying undeniable and accessible artistry.
Even after six decades in the music industry, Bennett achieved a remarkable milestone in 2011 with his first number one album, “Duets II,” featuring the collaboration “Body and Soul” with Amy Winehouse, making him the oldest living artist to top the Billboard charts at the age of 85. Subsequently, he continued to receive accolades, including Grammys for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Apart from his musical pursuits, Bennett’s timeless voice and mastery extended to various genres, from intimate ballads and up-tempo swing numbers to contemporary pop. He remained an ever-present headliner at jazz festivals, captivating audiences well into the 21st century. Moreover, his talents as a painter earned him praise, with his artwork, signed under his given name, Anthony Benedetto, featured in highly-regarded exhibitions.
In 2021, Bennett courageously revealed his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and he, along with Lady Gaga, released their second collaboration, “Love for Sale” (2021), garnering another Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The duo’s promotional performances in 2021 marked Bennett’s final public concerts.
Throughout his illustrious career, Tony Bennett’s distinctive style remained consistent, and critics noted the evolution and improvement of his voice and interpretive abilities as he aged. His passing leaves a profound void in the world of music, but his enduring legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.
Biography
Date of Birth: August 3, 1926
Place of Birth: Astoria, Queens, New York
Age at Passing: 96
Date of Passing: July 21, 2023
Place of Passing: New York City
Spouses:
Patricia Beech (Married. 1952; Divorced. 1971)
Sandra Grant (Married. 1971; Divorced. 1983)
Susan Crow (Married. 2007)
Children:
D’Andrea “Danny” Bennett, Age 69
Daegal “Dae” Bennett, Age 68
Joanna Bennett, Age 53
Antonia Bennett, Age 49
Genre: Traditional pop standards, big band classics, show tunes, and jazz
Number of Grammy Awards: 20 (including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award)
Number of Albums Released: Over 70
Hit Songs: “Rags to Riches,” “Because of You,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “Stranger in Paradise,” “Just in Time,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and others
Milestone Achieved: Oldest living artist to top the Billboard charts at the age of 85 with “Duets II”
Notable Collaborations: Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Getz, and Zoot Sims
Contributions: Support for arts education through exploring the Arts and the founding of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York.
Tony Bennett’s life and career epitomize the essence of artistic excellence, touching hearts with his timeless music and captivating audiences with his artistic expressions on canvas. Beyond the spotlight, he tirelessly worked to support arts education and create opportunities for young talents. As his melodies and paintings continue to resonate with generations, Tony Bennett remains an American icon, cherished for his contributions to the world of music and art.
