Bennett, Tony (1926-2023), was a popular American singer noted for his warm, relaxed, jazz-flavored voice. Bennett first gained recognition in the early 1950’s and remained prominent with his pop style during the decades otherwise dominated by rock music. He won a number of Grammy Awards for his music.
Bennett was born on Aug. 3, 1926, in the Queens section of New York City. His real name was Anthony Dominick Benedetto. Guest appearances on television in 1950 led to a nightclub engagement in New York City. A record producer heard Bennett and signed him to a contract.
Bennett first made an impression with his recording of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (1950). He then recorded a string of hits during the 1950’s, including “Because of You” (1951), “Cold, Cold Heart” (1951), “Rags to Riches” (1953), “Stranger in Paradise” (1954), “Just in Time” (1956), and “In the Middle of an Island” (1957). He recorded his most famous song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” in 1962. His later hits include “I Wanna Be Around” (1963), “The Good Life” (1963), and “Who Can I Turn To” (1964). An autobiography, The Good Life, was published in 1998.
Bennett recorded his first number-one album, Duets II, in 2011. He became, at age 85, the oldest living singer to reach the top of the charts. In 2014, Bennett and the American singer Lady Gaga had a number-one hit with Cheek to Cheek, a duets album of jazz standards. In 2020, Bennett’s family revealed that in 2016, he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia late in life. Dementia is characterized by loss of the ability to think clearly. Bennett retired from performing in 2021. Later that year, he released Love for Sale, a collaboration with Lady Gaga celebrating the music of the American songwriter Cole Porter. Bennett became, at age 95, the oldest person to release an album of new material. He died on July 21, 2023.
