OR

source:wikimedia.org
03 Aug, 1926
21 Jul, 2023
Alzheimer's disease
American
Singer
96
Anthony Dominick Benedetto, popularly known as Tony Bennett, was born on August 3, 1926, in Queens, New York, to a family of poor Italian immigrants. From an early age, he displayed a passion for both singing and art.
Bennett served in the U.S. Army during World War II, an experience that shaped his life and outlook. After the war, he used the GI Bill to study music and officially launched his professional singing career in 1949 under the stage name Tony Bennett.
Bennett’s first big break came with his 1951 hit single, “Because of You”, which topped the charts. He followed this with several successful tracks and albums, including the timeless classic “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, which became his signature song.
While his career faced a decline during the rise of rock and roll in the 1960s and 1970s, Bennett staged a remarkable comeback in the 1980s and 1990s. He reinvented himself by connecting with younger audiences and collaborating with contemporary artists.
In the 2000s and 2010s, he continued to produce critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including “Duets: An American Classic”, “Cheek to Cheek” (with Lady Gaga), and “Love for Sale”—which set a Guinness World Record for making him the oldest artist to achieve a No. 1 album on the US charts.
In addition to his music career, Tony Bennett was a talented painter, working under his birth name Anthony Benedetto. His art, often inspired by landscapes and urban scenes, has been exhibited in galleries around the world, reflecting his deep appreciation for both visual and performing arts.
As an attractive and talented singer, Bennett was a woman’s man. He was married thrice.
Bennett’s first marriage was to Ohio art student and jazz fan, Patricia Beech. He met her during one of his performances in Cleveland. The couple had two sons before they divorced in 1971. Beech based the divorce on the allegation of Bennett’s adultery.
Before his first marriage ended, Bennett had already begun seeing actress Sandra Grant while filming The Oscar in 1965. The couple lived together for several years and on December 29, 1971, they quietly married in New York. The marriage produced two daughters.
Bennett’s last relationship was with Susan Crow, a former New York City school teacher. The duo started dating in the 1980s and eventually got married in 2007.
Bennett remained active in both music and painting until his passing on July 21, 2023, in New York City at the age of 96. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease, but his contributions to the arts and entertainment industry left an indelible legacy.
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett
Male
Alzheimer's disease
New York City, U.S
New York City, U.S
Entrepreneur: Smart, energetic and very perceptive people, who truly enjoy living on the edge. Tony Bennett was a dynamic and optimistic artist who loved connecting with people and experimenting with new ideas in his work.
Tony Bennett often said of his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", "Do you get tired of making love?"
Bennett's paintings were featured in several prestigious galleries and museums.
He served as a combat infantryman during World War II.
He held a Guinness World Record for his album success in later life.
He considered Frank Sinatra his best friend and inspiration.
He was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
He was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2011.
Bennett won a lifetime achievement award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers in 2002.
He was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in 2007.
He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1997.
He received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1969.
Tony Bennett won 20 Grammy Awards during his lifetime.
He won a Guinness World Record for the oldest person to reach No. 1 on the US Album Chart with a newly recorded album in 2014.
He was honored with New York City’s Bronze Medallion in 1969.