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.