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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

April 25, 2025 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Ella!

Today marks the anniversary of the great Ella Fitzgerald, who was born on April 25, 1917.

Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald were good friends, especially during the period when Bennett was living in Los Angeles in the 1980s. I wanted to share some of his thoughts about her.

When I asked my mother where she’d like to be taken for her birthday in 1952, I was delighted (and a little surprised) to hear her say, “Birdland! I want to see Ella Fitzgerald.”

My mother always knew quality.

We were seated at a ringside table, and after her show Ella came out over our drinks and introduced herself. I stood up for the Queen of Jazz, and she told me, “I loved your recording of ‘Blue Velvet.’” I felt as if I had been knighted—right in front of my mother.

Ella Fitzgerald used to say “We’re all here.” Three words. That really says it all. That’s the way to treat people. “We’re all here.”

I had grown up listening to brilliant African American artists such as Art Tatum, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington; when I got to know them later on, they all were kind and generous to a fault.

We always spent Christmas with her. I took Joanna and Antonia over to Ella’s house every Christmas Eve, and she’d cook up a storm, the best food you could ever dream up. We’d ring her doorbell and she’d open the door and say, “Oh, my daughters are finally here!”

I’ll leave you with this wonderful video of “How High the Moon.”

Filed Under: Musings Tagged With: Ella Fitzgerald, Happy Birthday Ella Fitzgerald

July 21, 2024 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

It’s Been a Year

A year ago today, I woke up and tuned into NPR on the radio. In just a few seconds, I heard that Tony Bennett had died. While not unexpected, the news cut me to the core. I had loved Tony Bennett and his music for many years, resulting in my starting this blog and creating the sister discography site.

In this journey, as I learned more about Tony Bennett, I not only grew to love his music more but became aware of what an extraordinary man he was. He deeply cared about people and justice. His pacifism and his strong stance as an anti-racist demonstrated his love for peace, truth, and beauty. The school of the arts he built with his wife Susan Benedetto demonstrated his love and caring for subsequent generations of artists and performers.

I was fortunate to meet him backstage a few times, and he was kind and gracious to me as well as all of the fans who met him.

So, today, I’m thinking about him a lot. I miss him everyday and I always wished there had been one more time to see him perform. But what I have also learned this year is that he left us with an extraordinary body of work that brings us joy every day: the recordings, his books, and film documentaries. Like John Pizzarelli said “Tony Bennett had died. But I don’t I don’t have to believe it if I don’t want to.” He still lives in the hearts of his fans.

I leave you with the last song he sang, just two days before his death.

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: Because of You, Tony Bennett

August 3, 2023 By Suzanne 2 Comments

Today Show Celebrates Tony’s Birthday

I hope you’re celebrating what would have been Tony Bennett’s 97th birthday.

Susan Benedetto and Danny Bennett were interviewed by Hoda Dotb about Tony.

It’s all about love.

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: Danny Bennett, Koda Hotb, Susan Benedetto, Today Show

July 30, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Tony Bennett on Piano Jazz

This episode aired in Fall 1990.

Setlist:

“Wait Till You See Her” (Hart, Rodgers)

“Stay as Sweet as You Are” (Gordon, Revel)

“Willow Creek” (McPartland)

“While We’re Young” (Coots, Gillespie)

“Jazz Waltz For A Friend” (Wilder)

“Let There Be Love” (Rosnes)

“Portrait of Tony Bennett” (McPartland)

“Imagination” (Burke, Van Heusen)

“Watch What Happens” (Demy, Gimbel)

“Love Is Just Around the Corner” (Gensler, Robin)

“I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face” (Lerner, Loewe)

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: Marian McPartland, Piano Jazz

July 26, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Tony Bennett, Terry Gross, and NPR

Tony Bennett did many wonderful interviews on the Fresh Air program, hosted by Terry Gross.

She put together a series of interviews in remembrance of Tony on her July 26, 2023, program.

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: Fresh Air, NPR, Terry Gross, Tony Bennett

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