Legendary American Singer Tony Bennett has died at the age of 96. In 2016, Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease but still performed until 2021. After battling the disease for seven years, Bennett passed away in his New York City home. Bennett was hailed for his interpretations of the Great American Songbook and for his original songs, such as “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Beginning his singing career in 1951, Bennett earned 18 Grammy Awards in his 50-year career. He had numerous successful duets, collaborations, and concerts with singers such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Connie Francis, Amy Winehouse, and Lady Gaga.
The Record-Breaking Career of American Singer Tony Bennett
Singer Tony Bennett was born in Astoria, New York, on August 3, 1926, as Anthony Dominick Benedetto. At an early age, he was interested in music, listening to artists such as Judy Garland, Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Eddie Cantor, and several others. Bennett began singing at the age of ten. He also took an interest in drawing and attended New York’s School of Industrial Art, studying painting and music. He dropped out at 16 to support his family.
After a period in the army, Bennett pursued his career as a singer. He got his first nightclub gig at the Shangri-La in 1946. In 1949, entertainer Bob Hope heard Bennett perform at Greenwich Village. Hope brought him to the Paramount, convinced him to change his name, and Tony Bennett’s legendary career as a singer kicked off.
Bennett had his first number-one hit in 1951 with “Because of You.” He had several other hits, such as “Rags to Riches.” However, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” would forever be considered his signature song.
Bennett’s career began to struggle in the 1970s. His musical style became less popular; he divorced twice and battled drugs and financial problems. However, with the help of his son, he managed to bounce back to popularity in the 1980s. New audiences discovered his music, he made a guest appearance on The Simpsons, and he appeared on MTV: Unplugged. In 2021, Bennett became the oldest musician to release a new album at 95 years old.
Frank Sinatra once called Tony Bennett the “best singer in the business.” The Kennedy Center Honoree was undoubtedly an American legend and a musical icon.
