Legendary singer, Tony Bennett, has passed away at the age of 96. His melodic voice embraced audiences for decades. Bennett’s publicist, Sylvia Weiner, confirmed the singer passed away in his hometown of New York. He died two weeks before his birthday.
The Birth of a Great Artist
Born Anthony (Antonio) Dominick Benedetto on Aug. 3, 1926, in Astoria, Queens, New York. Bennett’s father, Giovanni “John” Benedetto, was a grocer, and his mother, Anna Maria (Suraci), was a seamstress. Additionally, he had an uncle who was a tap dancer. Both of his parents were from poor farming families in Calabria, Italy, according to IMDb.
At the age of 10, Bennett gave a singing performance at the opening of the Triborough Bridge. After, he attended the New York High School of Industrial Arts where he studied music and painting. However, at the age of 16 Bennett dropped out to help support his family. He then took jobs as a singing waiter in Italian restaurants.
Bennett Serves During World War II
He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. There, he served on the front lines until April 1945. Bennett was one of the many men involved in the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp at Landsberg.
After, he performed with the Amry military band under the stage name “Joe Bari.” Bennett was discharged in 1946 and returned to the United States. Upon his return, he attended a nonprofit organization, American Theatre Wing on a GI Bill. There, he studied the Bel Canto singing discipline as he continued being a singing waiter.
Becoming Tony Bennett
In the beginning, his singing career was heavily influenced by Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, and many other stars. Eventually, Bennett developed his own singing style, one that resonated with his fans for years to come.
In 1949, Bob Hope invited him to come on a concert tour. In fact, it was Hope who suggested he use the name Tony Bennett. A year later, Columbia Records signed him, and his first big hit “Because of You” was released. That song sold over one million copies and reached No. 1 in 1951’s pop chart.
After that, he had hit after hit becoming a fan favorite in millions of households. Bennett is known for such hits as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Stranger in Paradise,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Love for Sale,” and so many more.
‘I Left My Heart In San Francisco’ Singer’s Goal in Life
Many times throughout his life, Bennett had stated his lifelong goal was to create “a hit catalog rather than hit records.” The great crooner released over 70 albums and earned 19 Grammys during his decades-long career.
In 2016, Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. However, that didn’t stop him from singing, his wife Susan Benedetto stated in AARP The Magazine February 2021’s edition. In fact, his last public performance was in August 2021 when he appeared alongside Lady Gaga in Radio City Music Hall’s show “One Last Time.”
Throughout his later years, he duetted alongside younger singers across many genres of music. One of the more notable pair-ups was with Lady Gaga, with whom he recorded albums in 2014 and 2021. In 2015, the pair toured together. In fact, Lady Gaga has stated that Tony Bennett saved her from quitting music altogether.
Out-pour of Love for Bennett’s Family
Since news of his death broke, there has been an out-pour of love and tributes to Tony Bennett. Many people recount tales they had with him, some sharing how his music touched their lives; all are thinking of his family.
His wife, children (Antonia, Danny, Dae, and Joanna), grandchildren (Kelsey and Rémy), and loved ones are all mourning his death. May his family find peace and solace during this trying time.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
IMDb: Tony Bennett
AP News: Tony Bennett, masterful stylist of American musical standards, dies at 96
The New York Times: Tony Bennett, Champion of the Great American Songbook, Is Dead at 96
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of marcen27‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Rob Corder’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
