Starting with his triumphant debut at the Paramount in Times Square, his career unfolded with remarkable longevity and unwavering consistency, showcased not only through initial successes but also enduring generation-spanning duets.

Tony Bennett, the celebrated singer known for his melodic clarity, jazz-inspired phrasing, and endearing stage presence, passed away on Friday at the age of 96. With his warm and seemingly effortless renditions of musical standards, he played a pivotal role in popularizing the American songbook worldwide, amassing a devoted fan base spanning generations. His home of many decades in Manhattan was the place where he peacefully departed, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of music lovers around the globe.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, he defied the odds by continuing to share his gift with the world through performances and recordings until his passing at the age of 96.

Frank Sinatra, his peer, regarded him as the greatest popular singer globally, and rightfully so. Bennett’s recordings, mainly with Columbia Records since 1950, were characterized by ebullience, vocal clarity, emotional openness, and immense warmth. He was a masterful interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and his iconic hit “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” remains a timeless classic.

Equally comfortable with intimate combos and lushly arranged orchestras, Bennett excelled in jazz settings and collaborated memorably with the likes of Count Basie and Bill Evans. His career experienced resurgences in the ’90s and the new millennium under his son Danny’s management, delighting audiences with duets alongside Amy Winehouse, Diana Krall, and Lady Gaga.

Even after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis became public knowledge in early 2021, Bennett continued to captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impression at Radio City Music Hall with Lady Gaga before their last joint release, “Love for Sale.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Bennett earned 18 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. He also received two Emmy Awards and was honored as a Kennedy Center Honoree and a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.

Over a remarkable career spanning more than 70 years, Mr. Bennett left an indelible mark not only for his enduring presence but also for his unwavering dedication to preserving the classic American popular song. Throughout countless concerts, club performances, and over 150 recordings, he passionately upheld the timeless works of songwriters such as Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Duke Ellington, and Rodgers and Hammerstein, among others.

Tony Bennett Grammys — Tony Bennett with two of his trophies at the 2012 Grammy Awards ceremony.

Tony Bennett’s Life and Career

Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, in Astoria, Queens, New York, to Italian immigrant parents, Tony Bennett grew up in poverty. His childhood love for singing and painting led him to study music and art at New York’s High School of Industrial Art, drawing inspiration from artists like Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Judy Garland.

At the age of 18, Bennett was drafted into World War II and served in the European theater, where he experienced combat infantry duty and played a role in liberating a German concentration camp. After the war, he pursued music and received vocal training from Miriam Spier at the American Theatre Wing. Despite an unsuccessful start in 1949 under the name “Joe Bari,” his talent caught the attention of Pearl Bailey, leading to a pivotal encounter with Bob Hope. Impressed by Bennett’s performance, Hope renamed him Tony Bennett and invited him to join his stage show at New York’s Paramount Theatre.

In 1950, Bennett’s demo of Harry Warren’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” secured him a contract with Columbia Records. This marked the beginning of his successful career with a string of chart-topping hits, including “Because of You,” a rendition of Hank Williams’ “Cold, Cold Heart,” and the energetic “Rags to Riches.” His iconic song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” written by George Cory and Douglass Cross, became a timeless classic and earned him his first Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Male Solo Vocal Performance.

Throughout the 1950s, Bennett recorded notable albums that showcased his versatility, such as “The Beat of My Heart” with jazz-inflected arrangements, collaborations with the Count Basie Orchestra on “Strike Up the Band” and “In Person!,” and intimate duo performances with his musical director Ralph Sharon on “Tony Sings for Two.”

Tony Bennett’s enduring artistry and timeless contributions to music have earned him a place in the hearts of fans worldwide. His career spanned over seven decades, and he continued to captivate audiences with his powerful and emotive performances. He remained a beloved icon and a living legend until his passing.

In 1962, Tony Bennett achieved a landmark moment with a memorable concert at Carnegie Hall, accompanied by Ralph Sharon’s trio. The following year, he scored top 20 hits with “I Wanna Be Around” and “The Good Life.” However, as rock music dominated the charts, Bennett’s career faced challenges. Sharon’s departure in 1965 and Columbia Records’ attempts to modernize his sound left him adrift. After a period of struggling albums and singles that had limited success, he parted ways with Columbia in 1971.

Subsequently, Bennett ventured into creating his own label, Improv. During this time, he released a highly regarded two-LP set of Rodgers & Hart songs and collaborated with Bill Evans on two acclaimed duo albums, both regarded as vocal art classics. Sadly, Improv encountered difficulties and eventually floundered in 1977.

In the years that followed, Tony Bennett faced personal trials, including a tumultuous divorce, IRS issues, and a battle with cocaine addiction. However, his son Danny Bennett took over as his manager in 1980, leading to a career renaissance. Appearing on popular TV shows like “The David Letterman Show” and the MTV Video Music Awards, Bennett reached a new audience that may not have been familiar with his earlier work. Returning to Columbia Records, he embarked on a series of concept albums, reunited with Ralph Sharon, and achieved chart success with the acclaimed album “The Art of Excellence” in 1986.

His reputation further solidified with Grammy-winning albums like “Perfectly Frank” (1992) and “Steppin’ Out” (1993), paying tribute to Sinatra and Fred Astaire, respectively. Bennett’s “MTV Unplugged” special and album, featuring a hip-hop themed video, were major successes.

Throughout the ’90s and into the new millennium, Bennett continued to win Grammys in the traditional pop vocal category with albums exploring various themes and genres. He collaborated with artists like K.D. Lang for the Grammy-winning duet album “A Wonderful World” (2002) and reunited with the Count Basie band for “A Swingin’ Christmas” in 2008.

Apart from his musical pursuits, Bennett’s passion for painting also gained recognition. His art was displayed in galleries worldwide, and he counted artist David Hockney among his admirers and friends. He published books about his art and released an autobiography, “The Good Life,” written with Will Friedwald.

Tony Bennett was also celebrated for his recitals on television, earning primetime Emmys for “Live by Request” (1996) and “An American Classic” (2007). He dabbled in acting, making appearances on the ’60s detective show “77 Sunset Strip” and featuring in the film “The Oscar” (1966).

As he aged, Bennett’s tenor voice transformed into a rich, resonant baritone, but his interpretive skills remained intact. The “Duets” collections showcased his enduring agility, pairing him with younger stars and achieving chart-topping success, with the second collection debuting at No. 1 in September 2011.

Tony Bennett leaves behind his wife Susan Benedetto, two sons – Danny and Dae Bennett, two daughters – Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett, and nine grandchildren. His profound impact on the world of music and art will be cherished and remembered for generations to come.