"I was taught never to compromise: to never sing a cheap song. I never look down at the audience and think that they are ignorant or think that I'm more intelligent than they are. To think otherwise is totally incorrect and runs contrary to everything I was raised to believe." -- the beloved, legendary singer Tony Bennett (8/3/1926 - 7/21/2023), winner of 20 Grammy awards, Kennedy Center honoree, two-time Emmy winner, Bronze Star recipient for his Army service in WW II, and participant in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches. The quote explains in a large sense why Bennett was treasured by audiences his entire career.
Over his remarkable 70 year career, Bennett sold some 50 million records, and remained a vibrant and popular singer until his retirement from live performances in 2021. He connected with younger listeners throughout the 1990s and 2000s, appearing with a variety of artists from Elvis Costello and Christina Aguilera to Billy Joel, Any Winehouse and Lady Gaga.
(photo: Downbeat.com)
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