Today we celebrate the incomparable Tony Bennett, who would have turned 97 years old today, August 3, 2023.
Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born on this day in 1926 in New York City. After serving in the later years of World War II, Benedetto went to school to hone his craft and learn singing discipline. He was noticed by Pearl Bailey, who helped him shorten his name to “Tony Bennett,” and thus, his illustrious career began. The crooner’s legend grew.
He performed hits like “Rags to Riches,” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” He remained active up until early 2022. He didn’t let an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2016 get him down. He continued to release albums and perform live for his fans. Singing was a muscle memory for him. Tony never lost it.
His most recent album release, Love For Sale with Lady Gaga, helped Bennett break the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material. His legend looms large on the music industry. He kept singing until the end.
Tony Bennett unfortunately left us on July 21, 2023 at age 96. He was just weeks shy of his 97th birthday.
I love Tony’s music. I have stacks of his records at home, and I was so heartbroken when he passed. Today is a day to celebrate the man, though. It’s his birthday, after all.
Here are some legendary tracks you should listen to today to celebrate the man, the myth, the legend:
