New York, 21 July, 2023 (GNP): Tony Bennett, the iconic and smooth-singing legend from the United States, has passed away at the age of 96. His publicist, Sylvia Weiner, confirmed his passing on Friday in his hometown of New York. While no specific cause was provided, Bennett had been courageously battling Alzheimer’s disease since 2016.
Tony Bennett born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York, has a timeless charisma that transcended generations, making him a hitmaker for an impressive seven decades. His unforgettable voice gifted us enduring classics like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
Frank Sinatra, another legendary singer, once praised Bennett as “the best singer in the business” during his rise to stardom in the 1950s. Throughout his illustrious career, Bennett claimed 20 Grammy awards, including a prestigious lifetime achievement award.
Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, expressed her heartfelt condolences on Twitter, describing Bennett as “one of the most splendid people who ever lived,” and praising his kindness, talent, and generosity.
https://twitter.com/NancySinatra/status/1682410910936350720?t=f53B2mrelmEbNyzS9grBRQ&s=19
Bennett’s journey through life had its share of highs and lows. In the late 1970s, facing a failing marriage, a cocaine addiction, a staggering $2 million tax debt, and limited career prospects, Bennett managed to reclaim his path to success. With the guidance of his son Danny as manager, he resonated with younger audiences, reaching new heights of popularity.
As the years passed, Bennett continued to collaborate with a diverse range of artists, redefining boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide. His notable duet album with pop star Lady Gaga in 2014 and their subsequent world tour showcased his artistic versatility. An American newspaper praised Bennett for not just bridging the generation gap but obliterating it, connecting with younger listeners who grew up on rock music.
Millions of hearts were touched by Bennett’s renditions of timeless classics such as “Stranger in Paradise,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Rags to Riches,” “I Wanna Be Around,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” and “Body and Soul.”
In 2016, Tony Bennett celebrated his 90th birthday with a star-studded party in New York City, attended by famous Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and John Travolta. The Empire State Building illuminated the night sky in his honor. That same year, Bennett released his memoir titled “Just Getting Started,” sharing personal insights and reflections.
The news of Tony Bennett’s passing has evoked an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists, celebrities, and admirers worldwide. Singer Elton John described him as “irreplaceable,” and Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., hailed him as a “global treasure” who used his platform to stand for civil rights.
Bennett revealed in early 2021 that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, but his indomitable spirit and love for music persisted even in the face of Alzheimer’s disease, as he continued recording after his diagnosis and reminded us all that “Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s.”
In August 2021, Bennett gracefully bid farewell to the stage, retiring from performing after his final concerts at Radio City Music Hall.