I enjoyed this article that appeared recently in the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper that asked the question Is Tony Bennett 86-going-on-16?
But as the author George Varga says:
It’s tempting to describe Tony Bennett as 86-going-on-16. Tempting, but inaccurate, since it’s difficult to think of any teenager who can match this legendary singer’s tireless work ethic, infectious passion for music and seemingly boundless quest for new artistic adventures.
All I know is that I am in awe of musicianship and artistry of Tony Bennett. I’ve attended three of his concerts since he turned 86 and those performances have all been outstanding. I know that I’m a couple of decades younger than Tony Bennett and sometimes feel pretty put-upon to do a 40 hour work week. And yet, Tony Bennett is not only touring the world, but also painting every day, recording new albums, writing books, doing publicity, performing at benefit concerts and being completely engaged in his foundation Exploring The Arts and his new project Voices Against Violence. And yes, he does make me feel like a slacker.
This morning, his Twitter feed posted a link to this article with the question “What do you think?”
I think that Tony Bennett finds great joy in all the work he does. He has said many times how much he loves to sing and paint and how because he loves what he does so much, it never feels like work. From the audience side, I only know that I am in the presence of someone who finds so much joy in performing. And I believe that joy in his work makes him seem ageless in so many ways.
What I think strikes people about Tony Bennett is that here is a man who has seen and done everything and brings all of that experience to his art, with the enthusiasm, energy and wonder of a much younger man. It’s a magical combination that audiences all over the world have responded to.