A musical giant, one of the greatest vocalists ever, and a genuinely good human being, Tony Bennett has died at the age of 96, less than two weeks shy of his 97th birthday:
Bennett died in his hometown of New York, Sylvia Weiner said. A cause was not immediately disclosed.
Bennett provided the soundtrack for generations of romantic evenings and proved that his timeless brand of standards could have broad, consistent appeal as the music industry shifted with the rise of rock and rap. [snip]
... The life and career of Bennett, a World War II veteran and a civil rights activist, could provide fodder for a number of biopics, but his most enduring legacy is likely to be his unique vocal style, which made him a superstar in the 1950s and helped him enjoy a remarkable second act over the last 25 years of his life...
His multiple Grammys, two Emmys, a Gershwin prize, Kennedy Center honors, all speak to the mark he made on American popular and jazz music in the 20th and 21st centuries. However, you're strongly encouraged to delve into his songbook for some of the best of American music in the past 75 years, because it would take us days to discuss his work, his collaborations with other iconic artists, not to mention his philanthropy and dedication to equal rights and justice. More bio here and tributes here.
Without further ado, here's his first hit from 1951, "Because of You," and his signature song from 1962, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco."
BONUS:
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 Bennett (@itstonybennett) July 21, 2023
Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever. ❤ pic.twitter.com/hsOqtSdTNg
