Tony Bennett

Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known professionally as Tony Bennett, was an American jazz and traditional pop singer. He received many awards, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Bennett was named a National Endowments for the Arts Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. He founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York.

Bennett began singing at an early age and fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. He signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one song with "Because of You" in 1951. His popular songs included "Rags to Riches" and his signature song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", recorded in 1962.

Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. Late in his career, he received renewed acclaim for his collaboration with Lady Gaga, beginning with the album Cheek to Cheek in 2014. In 2021, Bennett revealed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, but he continued to perform until his retirement in August 2021.

Early life

1926–1943: Family and education

Tony Bennett was born on August 3, 1926, in Long Island City, Queens, New York City. His parents were John Benedetto and Anna Suraci. Tony grew up with an older sister, Mary, and an older brother, John Jr. His father passed away when Tony was ten.

Tony loved music and art from a young age. He listened to singers like Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, Judy Garland, and Bing Crosby, as well as jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong. By age 10, he was already singing, and he performed at the opening of the Triborough Bridge next to Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. He attended the School of Industrial Art but left at age 16 to help his family.

1944–1950: World War II and after

In 1944, Tony was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He served in Europe and saw tough battles. After the war, he returned to New York and studied singing at the American Theatre Wing. He developed his own style by imitating other musicians.

In 1949, singer Pearl Bailey noticed his talent and invited him to perform. Soon after, he was signed to Columbia Records and began his journey to becoming a famous singer.

Career

1951–1959: First successes

Tony Bennett began his career as a singer of popular songs. His first big hit was "Because of You," which reached number one on the charts in 1951 and stayed there for ten weeks. Another hit that same year was "Cold, Cold Heart," which helped introduce country music to more listeners. Bennett’s early successes included songs like "Blue Velvet," which made him very popular.

In 1953, Bennett had another number-one hit with "Rags to Riches," a lively big band song. Later that year, he recorded "Stranger in Paradise" to help promote a new Broadway show, and the song became a hit too.

1954–1965: A growing artistry

In 1954, guitarist Chuck Wayne became Bennett’s musical director. Bennett released his first full album in 1955, showing his love for jazz. In 1957, Ralph Sharon joined as his pianist and helped guide Bennett toward more jazz-influenced music.

Bennett performed a famous concert at Carnegie Hall in 1962, featuring many famous musicians. The concert was recorded and became very popular. That same year, Bennett released "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," which became one of his most famous songs and won important awards.

1965–1979: Years of struggle

In the late 1960s and 1970s, Bennett faced challenges. He tried recording more modern songs but wasn’t happy with the results. He took a break from big record labels and started his own company. During this time, he struggled with personal issues and financial troubles.

1979–1989: Turnaround

In 1979, after a health scare, Bennett’s son Danny helped him get back on track. Danny managed his father’s career, helped him regain his finances, and got him back into performing. Bennett signed with Columbia Records again and released new albums that were well received.

1990–2006: Established career

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Bennett reached new audiences by appearing on popular TV shows. He continued to record music, winning many awards and staying active in performances. He also began doing charity work and was known for his kind heart, often called “Tony Benefit.”

2006–2021: Later years and final album

As Bennett grew older, he kept performing and recording. In 2021, he released his final album, “Love for Sale,” with Lady Gaga. His last live shows were in August 2021, after which he retired due to health reasons. Despite retiring, he kept practicing music at home.

Artistry

Tony Bennett was also a talented painter. He painted under his real name, Anthony Benedetto. He painted every day, often drawing scenes from hotel windows during his travels. His artwork has been shown in many galleries around the world.

Bennett was the official artist for the 2001 Kentucky Derby. He even created paintings for the United Nations, including one for its fiftieth anniversary. Some of his famous paintings, like Homage to Hockney, can be seen at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. His paintings have appeared in magazines and books, and some have sold for very high prices.

Awards and legacy

Tony Bennett won 20 Grammy Awards, including a special award for lifetime achievement. These awards were given in different years, celebrating his music over many years.

He also received other important honors for his work.

Works

Discography

Tony Bennett shared his music through more than 70 albums, mostly with Columbia Records. Some of his most popular albums in the U.S. include I Left My Heart in San Francisco, MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett, and Duets: An American Classic. These albums sold enough copies to earn a special award called platinum. He also had eight other albums that earned a gold award. Tony Bennett’s most popular songs came out in the early 1950s, and he didn’t have any top songs between 1968 and 2010.

Books

• Bennett, Tony (1996). Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen. ISBN 0-8478-1972-8.
• Bennett, Tony (1999). The Good Life: The Autobiography Of Tony Bennett. New York: Pocket Books. ISBN 0-671-02958-4 – via Internet Archive.
• Bennett, Tony; Sullivan, Robert (2007). Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music. ISBN 978-1-4027-4767-0.
• Bennett, Tony (2012). Life is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett. ISBN 978-0-06-220706-7.
• Bennett, Tony; Simon, Scott (2016). Just Getting Started. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-06-247677-7.

Personal life

Tony Bennett married Patricia Beech, an art student and jazz fan, in 1952. They had two sons but later separated and divorced in 1971.

Bennett then married actress Sandra Grant in 1971, and they had two daughters. They stayed married until 1983.

In the late 1980s, Bennett began a relationship with Susan Crow, a former schoolteacher. Together, they created a charity to support arts education and helped start the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in New York. They married in 2007.

Politics

Tony Bennett grew up during a tough time called the Great Depression, and he didn't like what happened when Herbert Hoover was president. Because of this, he always supported the Democratic Party.

Illness and death

Tony Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Even with this condition, he kept performing and recording music until early 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. He returned to the stage briefly in 2021 for special farewell shows. His regular singing practice helped keep his mind sharp.

Bennett passed away at his home in New York City on July 21, 2023, after living with Alzheimer's for seven years. His family shared that he continued to sing until the very end, performing the song "Because of You". He was celebrated as a great performer of the Great American Songbook and was buried next to his parents at Calvary Cemetery, Queens.