Singing Icon Tony Bennett Dies at 97
By Baylor Mosier, Movieguide® Contributor
On Friday, July 21, legendary vocalist Tony Bennett died, just two weeks short of his 97th birthday, after battling Alzheimer’s disease. He was 96.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account, it was revealed that Tony was singing at his piano until his last days, with his final song being “Because of You,” the very same song that marked his first #1 hit.
“Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, “Because of You,” his first #1 hit,” the post read. “Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever. ❤”
Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, “Because of You,” his first #1 hit.
Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever. ❤ pic.twitter.com/hsOqtSdTNg
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) July 21, 2023
Tony Bennett’s illustrious professional journey spanned an impressive seven decades, during which he achieved three No. 1 hits and earned 19 Grammy Awards. He recorded 60 studio albums, seven of which made it to the Top 10 on the Billboard charts, and collaborated with an array of esteemed artists, including Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton. Revered by Frank Sinatra as “the best singer in the business,” Tony’s talent was widely celebrated among his peers and his fans alike.
Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, in Astoria, Queens, New York, Tony discovered his passion for singing at a young age and pursued his musical interests during his teenage years. After high school he was drafted as an army infantryman during World War II and served in the European theater.
Upon returning from the war, Tony followed his musical aspirations professionally and was signed to Columbia Records. In 1951, he achieved his first number-one hit with “Because of You,” marking the beginning of his successful rise to fame. He became a prominent figure in the pop music scene of the 1950s and 1960s, and later experienced a career revival in the 2000s and 2010s through memorable duets with Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.
In 2016, Tony Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but remained active in his music until his last public appearance, which took place alongside Lady Gaga at Radio City Music Hall in August 2021.
Tony’s longevity as a performer was not only due to his extraordinary voice but also because of the genuine joy he brought to the stage while sharing the beloved Great American Songbook.
As one of America’s last great crooners, Tony Bennett’s passing leaves a deep void in the world and the music community. His contributions to modern culture for over seven decades have left an indelible mark that will be cherished and missed dearly.
Please join Movieguide® in praying for his family.
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