Tony Bennett lived a long life. He was probably a good singer. I might have heard his songs without even realizing it. Anyway thanks to this tribute to Tony Bennett who obviously has national acclaim.
We lost Tony Bennett last week at the young tender age of almost 97. As you note, Bennett entertained and performed well into his latter years, providing joyous songs for millions of people in the 20th and 21st centuries. Today we must say Happy 80th Birthday to another icon that spanned both centuries....Sir Michael Philip Jagger. He is still filling arenas and stadiums as he sings and moves just as he did 60 years ago. Tony Bennett also never lost a beat or a note. Dan, you too are still at it, educating us with your great journalistic know how and providing us with wisdom that only you can provide. So here’s to longevity and people that have long careers and make vital contributions for their entire lives. In 1966 Jagger wrote “....what a drag it is getting old”. Mick, you are demonstrating the total opposite; it doesn’t have to be a drag. Happy Birthday, my knight.
I am late to the game but thank you for the wonderful tribute to Tony Bennett. Definitely a singing icon, but a truly decent person. His artistry extended to being a fabulous painter also. My contribution is his 2912 pairing with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, when they wrote and sang together “How To Keep The Music Playing” https://youtu.be/Y4_Fatuvp68
The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans recordings changed my life. Tony taught me the beauty and love of The American Songbook. I was lucky enough to attend many of his performances. As a vocalist myself, I noted that he never took a sip of water, nor an intermission. As an encore, Tony would walk downstage center, and gently ask that the amplification be unplugged, where he would sing Acapella and fill the concert hall to the last seat in the balcony, praising the architecture of the space. Humble and generous, Tony let the Song be the Star. HIs precious gifts to me.
The San Francisco Giants play “I left my heart in San Francisco” after every home win. Some years it’s not been heard often and others it was played after almost every game. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, when I hear that song I think of foggy cold nights making my way out of the ballpark with Tony Bennett in my ears. We love him here in the City by the Bay!!
I grew up listening to his wonderful voice. I’m fortunate to have parents that exposed us to diverse genres of music. Tony Bennett personified grace and class. My parents often talked about his participation in civil rights issues and marches. They respected him like Sinatra and others that risked their careers for our rights. Rest well kind sir. Your music will live forever.
Just watched the special on CBS that was taped at Tony Bennett’s 95th birthday 🎂 celebration 🎉 at Radio City with his costar Lady Gaga. At that “young tender age” he sounded marvelous. Did not miss a note. You say he brought countless smiles to people that heard his songs and that’s because he smiled with every note that he sang. Lady Gaga said it better than I can when she said that “we all are grateful for his creativity, talent,generosity, kindness and service”. Quite a guy!
Tony Bennett lived a long life. He was probably a good singer. I might have heard his songs without even realizing it. Anyway thanks to this tribute to Tony Bennett who obviously has national acclaim.
We lost Tony Bennett last week at the young tender age of almost 97. As you note, Bennett entertained and performed well into his latter years, providing joyous songs for millions of people in the 20th and 21st centuries. Today we must say Happy 80th Birthday to another icon that spanned both centuries....Sir Michael Philip Jagger. He is still filling arenas and stadiums as he sings and moves just as he did 60 years ago. Tony Bennett also never lost a beat or a note. Dan, you too are still at it, educating us with your great journalistic know how and providing us with wisdom that only you can provide. So here’s to longevity and people that have long careers and make vital contributions for their entire lives. In 1966 Jagger wrote “....what a drag it is getting old”. Mick, you are demonstrating the total opposite; it doesn’t have to be a drag. Happy Birthday, my knight.
And wishing you many, many more.
I am late to the game but thank you for the wonderful tribute to Tony Bennett. Definitely a singing icon, but a truly decent person. His artistry extended to being a fabulous painter also. My contribution is his 2912 pairing with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, when they wrote and sang together “How To Keep The Music Playing” https://youtu.be/Y4_Fatuvp68
The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans recordings changed my life. Tony taught me the beauty and love of The American Songbook. I was lucky enough to attend many of his performances. As a vocalist myself, I noted that he never took a sip of water, nor an intermission. As an encore, Tony would walk downstage center, and gently ask that the amplification be unplugged, where he would sing Acapella and fill the concert hall to the last seat in the balcony, praising the architecture of the space. Humble and generous, Tony let the Song be the Star. HIs precious gifts to me.
The San Francisco Giants play “I left my heart in San Francisco” after every home win. Some years it’s not been heard often and others it was played after almost every game. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, when I hear that song I think of foggy cold nights making my way out of the ballpark with Tony Bennett in my ears. We love him here in the City by the Bay!!
thanks so.
I grew up listening to his wonderful voice. I’m fortunate to have parents that exposed us to diverse genres of music. Tony Bennett personified grace and class. My parents often talked about his participation in civil rights issues and marches. They respected him like Sinatra and others that risked their careers for our rights. Rest well kind sir. Your music will live forever.
Thanks for lifting up a good person. Yes, an amazing entertainer while being filled with love for all. Tears.
Thanks!
I never knew about his beliefs on bigotry. WOW!
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=MLHdJca8_gA&feature=share
k d lang and Tony Bennett “Because of You” had me completely dissolved in tears. OMG.
Great talent. The special for his 95th brought back many memories of listening to him.
Just watched the special on CBS that was taped at Tony Bennett’s 95th birthday 🎂 celebration 🎉 at Radio City with his costar Lady Gaga. At that “young tender age” he sounded marvelous. Did not miss a note. You say he brought countless smiles to people that heard his songs and that’s because he smiled with every note that he sang. Lady Gaga said it better than I can when she said that “we all are grateful for his creativity, talent,generosity, kindness and service”. Quite a guy!
There truly was no better...RIP
Two of my favorite singers: Diana Krall and Tony Bennett. Heaven!
Xcellent article and music 👍👌