Flown to the Moon, Now Playing Among the Stars: Mr. Tony Bennett
I never want to posts a two blog posts one after another, but I have to. We lost a legend today. It’s not entirely unexpected of course; after all, he missed 97 years by 2 weeks and he was fighting the Alzheimer’s demon. But that doesn’t mean the ripples of his loss won’t be felt by the music community. This voice, one of the iconic crooners, stole hearts and spoke to classic romance, backed by sweeping orchestra arrangements and big band accompaniments. (You can always hear me singing “Fly Me to the Moon” as I move about my business.)
His iconic voice transcended generations, nearly seven decades, leaving behind a legacy of incredible and unforgettable (a song we will regrettably never get to hear him sing) music.
He was born in Astoria, Queens to a working-class Italian-American family as Anthony Dominick Benedetto in 1926, and rose to fame because of his velvety smooth vocals and utterly magnetic stage presence. As a teenager, he caught the attention of legendary singer Bob Hope who understandably recognized the immense talent. In 1950 he went on to sign with Columbia Records, and from then on out his voice would leave an indelible mark on millions of happy ears.
Photo: WireImage
Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, his stardom continued to rise with his timeless hits like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “The Good Life.” These established him as one of the preeminent vocalists of the era with his velvety timbre, charisma, and charming delivery and became synonymous with romance and nostalgia. He even earned the nickname “The Velvet Fog” for that versatile, enchanting vocal style.
His charisma went far beyond just his music. He was an avid supporter of the civil rights movement. He participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and performed in the “Stars for Freedom” rally the night before Martin Luther King’s “How Long, Not Long” speech in front of the Alabama state capitol. He went beyond the US and refused to participate or perform in apartheid South Africa. He later cited his experience at Battle of the Bulge in WW2 and his march with MLK as large contributors to his identity as a life-long humanist and pacifist, “reinforcing my belief that violence begets violence and that war is the lowest form of human behavior.”
As years passed, Bennett’s artistry only grew richer. In the early 2010s he released a series of albums that I simply fell in love with, beginning with 2013’s The Classics, where he sang just that, but also birthed some incredible duets with some of music’s strongest voices like current crooner Michael Bublé, Barbara Streisand, Christina Aguilera, and my favorite track on the album, “Lady is a Tramp” with Lady Gaga.
This song obviously created a sturdy, unlikely friendship and musical dynamic. This unexpected pairing resulted in two critically acclaimed albums: Cheek to Cheek (2014) which debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard charts, and Love for Sale (2021). These two albums showcase remarkable chemistry between these two incredible vocalists and bridged gaps between generations and musical genres.
These albums are nothing short of magical. Despite Gaga & Bennett’s apparent and striking contrasting styles, they complemented each other in a way that was both seamless and surprising. Their genuine admiration, respect for each other, and camaraderie were so clear in each and every song on the albums. From swinging classics and heartfelt ballads, Gaga and Bennett breathed new life into the golden age of jazz and gave new audiences a fresh, modern perspective into the Great American Songbook. Gaga’s powerhouse vocals harmonize perfectly with Bennett’s timeless crooning, and the blend of old and new is irresistible.
Photo: Larry Busacca
As Tony Bennett's health declined in his later years, his unwavering dedication to his artistry never wavered. Despite facing challenges with Alzheimer's disease, he continued to perform, creating a heartwarming testament that demonstrated the power of music in transcending personal struggles, especially his own.
Tony Bennett's life was a quilt stitched together of passion, talent, and unwavering dedication to his craft. His music will reign eternal for who were touched by his timeless performances. From the jazz clubs of New York to the grand stages around the world, and to the 1s and 0s of your Spotify playlists, Tony Bennett's voice echoed through time, leaving behind a legacy of music that will continue to inspire and enchant generations to come.
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for me to turn up the volume and sing along to “The Best is Yet to Come.”
References:
Bennett, Tony (December 7, 2010). The Good Life: The Autobiography Of Tony Bennett. Simon and Schuster.
Elber, Lynn (September 5, 2007). "Clint Eastwood tells Tony Bennett's story for 'American Masters'"
Mosbrook, Joe (November 28, 2001). "Tony Bennett's Cleveland Connections". Jazzed in Cleveland. WMV Web News Cleveland.
Schneider, Marc (September 21, 2011). "Tony Bennett Goes on Apology Tour for 9/11 Comments". Billboard.
Weber, Bruce (July 21, 2023). "Tony Bennett, Champion of the Great American Songbook, Is Dead at 96"
