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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

July 24, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Tony Bennett’s father, in his own words

Tony Bennett published his autobiography, written with Will Friedwald, in 1998. In The Good Life, Bennett wrote about his childhood, his time in the Army during World War II, and his career up to 1998.

My father was a very poetic, sensitive man, full of love and warmth, and I vividly remember being cradled in his giant arms until I fell asleep. Even to this day, when I think of my father, I see the “huge” man of my earliest memories. His arms were strong and his hands were big and his eyes were deep, dark, and soulful. When I looked into those eyes, I felt there wasn’t a problem in the world that he couldn’t solve.

My father inspired my love for music. He derived tremendous pleasure from singing to anyone who would listen, just like he did when he was a child. He had a beautiful voice. He used to sit on the front stoop of our house and singe a cappella to my brother and me, in the gentle, sensitive voice I can still hear. He loved Italian folk songs and used to sing one song written in the twenties called “My Mom,” which has always had a very special meaning for my brother and me.

Tony Bennett recorded “My Mom” in 1998 for his album for children, The Playground:

The Good Life is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other booksellers.

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: The Good Life, Tony Bennett, Will Friedwald

July 23, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

CBS Sunday Morning tribute to Tony Bennett

This wonderful tribute aired on CBS Sunday Morning, with Mo Rocca and Scott Simng (who co-wrote Bennett’s 2016 book Just Getting Started).

One story about that night in Hot Springs Arkansas in 1961. A young high school student and saxophone player from Arkansas named Bill Clinton loved Tony Bennett, but was too young to be able to attend performance, so he stayed outside and listened to the show through a slightly open window.

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: CBS Sunday Morning, Mo Rocca, RIP Tony Bennett, Scott Simon

July 22, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Tony Bennett on the Ed Sullivan Show

The Ed Sullivan Show ran on television from 1948 until 1971. Sullivan had many musical guests on his show over the years, and Tony Bennett appeared frequently. Here are some of those appearances:

November 22, 1964

June 27, 1965, with his trio and Ruby Braff on cornet

April 16, 1967, with Count Basie

April 6, 1969, with Duke Ellington

September 28, 1969

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ed Sullivan, Ed Sullivan Show, Tony Bennett

July 21, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

CNN and Anderson Cooper remember Tony Bennett

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: Anderson Cooper, CNN, RIP Tony Bennett

July 21, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

NBC News obituary

Tony Bennett, one of the most beloved voices in the history of American music, dies at 96

Bennett provided the soundtrack for generations of romantic evenings and proved that his timeless brand of standards could have broad, consistent appeal as the music industry shifted with the rise of rock and rap.

Filed Under: About Tony Bennett Tagged With: NBC News, RIP Tony Bennett

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