Tony Bennett, Maestro of the American Songbook, Died at 96. (United Latest News)
Tony Bennett Died
(United Latest News) -(Tony Bennett Died )The world of music mourns the loss of Tony Bennett, the illustrious crooner celebrated for his embodiment of the American Songbook. At the age of 96, Bennett’s mesmerizing voice has fallen silent, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of musical brilliance.
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Reports confirm that Bennett breathed his last in the heart of New York City on a Friday morning. While he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, the condition did not deter him from gracing the stage with occasional live performances or sharing his talent through new music releases. Remarkably, at the age of 95 in 2021, he reached the illustrious Billboard Top 10 with his second duet album alongside the talented Lady Gaga, titled “Love For Sale.” The same year, he bade farewell to the stage with two unforgettable nights of enchanting performances at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.
Bennett’s journey in the music industry commenced in the 1950s as an elegant crooner, rapidly ascending to the heights of popularity on the radio waves. His performances were imbued with a showmanship akin to an intimate nightclub experience, a persona that became a natural extension of his character, much like his impeccably tailored suits: always age-appropriate, yet eternally cool.
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His foray into music began at the tender age of 20 when he recorded his first tracks, including the haunting melody of “St. James Infirmary Blues,” crafted with a U.S. Army band in post-World War II Germany.
Although the world knew him as Tony Bennett, it was Bob Hope who bestowed this moniker upon him. Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in the vibrant neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, New York, Bennett experienced the loss of his father at the young age of 10, prompting him to leave high school and take up odd jobs to support his family.
Reflecting on his early years, Bennett recalled his time as a singing waiter in Astoria, Long Island, which brought him immense joy.
Music was an inseparable part of the Benedetto family’s heritage, with its origins tracing back to Italy. His father was an opera enthusiast and charmed their community with his soul-stirring performances atop the Calabrian mountains. Recalling those cherished memories, Bennett shared, “In Calabria, he had a reputation for singing on top of the mountain. The whole valley would hear it, and they enjoyed him so much.”
Tony Bennett pursued a study of opera, delving into the techniques of bel canto singing, thanks to the G.I. bill. During his learning journey, a teacher imparted invaluable advice: to find his unique voice, he must emulate the phrasing of instrumentalists.
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His journey as a recording artist commenced in 1950 when producer Mitch Miller of Columbia Records discovered his demo of “The Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” tucked away among his belongings.
While recognized as a quintessential crooner, Bennett held an ardent love for jazz, though he initially doubted his ability to embrace the genre fully. Despite his reservations, he possessed a natural affinity for the beat, endearing him to fellow musicians such as Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. They admired his fusion of jazz sensibility with the world of pop music, making him a sought-after collaborator. Accompanist and arranger Ralph Sharon, who shared a musical journey with Bennett for over five decades, attested to the distinctiveness of his sound, noting, “I think you always knew it was him.”
In 1962, Bennett’s career soared to unprecedented heights with the accidental discovery of the song “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” Unfolding as a serendipitous moment, Bennett’s accompanist, Ralph Sharon, stumbled upon the sheet music, and they decided to give it a shot. To their astonishment, the song became an international sensation, reigning on the U.S. charts for nearly a year and garnering Bennett two Grammy Awards.
Beyond the realms of music, Tony Bennett devoted his voice and influence to championing social causes, including civil rights. In the wake of the infamous “Bloody Sunday” attack on protesters marching from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Bennett, at the urging of Harry Belafonte, showcased his bravery by venturing into the violence-stricken South to perform. He recounted, “I didn’t want to do it, but then he told me what went down — how some Blacks were burned. Had gasoline thrown on them, and they were burned.
While he remained attuned to the evolving times, Bennett adhered to his musical roots and predominantly shunned the rising sound of rock, opting to stay true to the timeless allure of standards. Alongside his impressive musical ventures, Bennett graced smaller venues and made memorable appearances on television shows such as The Muppet Show, David Letterman, The Simpsons.
In 1994, Bennett’s iconic MTV Unplugged performance, featuring a captivating cameo by k.d. lang, further cemented his status as a musical legend. The show’s resounding success paved the way for the next two decades, introducing his timeless voice to a new generation of eager listeners. He continued to create magical duets with a diverse array of artists, from Stevie Wonder to the effervescent Lady Gaga, who emerged as his most devoted supporter and an emissary to a legion of fresh admirers.
Tony Bennett’s departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of artistry, passion, and unwavering commitment to musical excellence. As the world mourns the loss of this extraordinary artist, his voice will echo through the ages, forever etched in the annals of musical history.
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