Legendary singer, Tony Bennett, dead at age 96
Legendary standards singer Tony Bennett has died at age 96.
Tony Bennett, the eminent and timeless stylist whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” graced a decades long career that brought him admirers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, died Friday. He was 96, just two weeks short of his birthday.
Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed Bennett’s death to The Associated Press, saying he died in his hometown of New York. There was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.
The last of the great saloon singers of the mid-20th century, Bennett often said his lifelong ambition was to create “a hit catalog rather than hit records.” He released more than 70 albums, bringing him 19 competitive Grammys — all but two after he reached his 60s — and enjoyed deep and lasting affection from fans and fellow artists.
Read more at the Associated Press
Bennett was the last of the great 19th century Italian American crooners, alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como and more. What set him apart from other singers of his generation was his appreciation for young people. Later in life, he collaborated with young artists–never pandering to youth but always inspiring them along the way.
His 2014 album Cheek to Cheek, a collaboration with Lady Gaga, made Bennett the oldest living performer with a No 1 album on the Billboard 200. In 2011 his Duets II album featured Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, American Idol alum Carrie Underwood and more.
Tony Bennett appeared on American Idol twice
Speaking of artists from singing shows, Bennett appeared on American Idol twice. The first time, in 2007, he mentored the season 7 finalists. Third place finisher, Melinda Doolittle, wrote on social media: “I will always be grateful to @americanidol for unimaginable moments like this with legends like @itstonybennett. This experience, and Mr. Bennett’s kind words impacted me for life. Thank you for taking the time to pour into artists all over the world, Tony Bennett. Rest well.” After her mentoring session for “I Got Rhythm,” he said to her, “Best singer all day!” adding “She has a lot of promise.”
Four years later, he returned to duet with American Idol season 10 3rd place finisher, Haley Reinhart. The two sang “Steppin Out with my Baby” on the 2011 finale. Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer that season, wrote on Twitter, “He came on American Idol Season 10 and sang with Haley Reinhart. Inspired us all and then wrote me a note of thanks. What a wonderful human being. RIP.”
Bennett collaborated with Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood wrote on Twitter, “Rest in peace, Tony. You were the epitome of a gentleman with a God given one-of-a-kind voice. It was truly a great honor of my career and of my life to get to share the stage with you…” Watch their duet “It Had to Be You.”
The two also performed “It Had to Be You” on an episode of the CBS police procedural, Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck.
Months after she competed on The Voice in 2016 Wé McDonald performed “For Once in My Life” on the PBS special, Tony Bennett: Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Bennett and his wife watched from the audience. The young singer, now known as Wé Ani, competed on American Idol 2023.
Here’s Bennett performing one of his biggest hits, and most defining songs, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. It’s an incredible performance.
