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.
Benedetto is a man who cares. Audiences know it. He is a professional entertainer always striving to better his craft. He is not merely a money making machine interested in one thing.
I read an article yesterday about the studying and expense he went through to make the TONY BENNETT CONCERT HALL in The Frank Sinatra School for Performing Arts, the absolute best in the world. Kids from all over get to perform in a great auditorium while they perfect their craft!
Tony Bennett is a great man too because he does it from the bottom of his heart. He does not look to reap publicity from his endeavors!
Yes he has strong convictions that might differ from yours and mine but he has earned the right to those opinions.
God has blessed us all by giving us Benedetto the man, the artist, the singer and still time for humanity!