The Legendary New York crooner Tony Bennett dies at 96

Diane Adao

July 24, 2023

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  Tony Bennett’s representatives have disclosed that he was still singing at his piano just days before his passing. The renowned singer’s death was confirmed by his publicist, Sylvia Weiner, in a statement to the Associated Press.

  A message shared on his Twitter account expressed that Tony departed from us recently, but only a few days prior, he was still serenading at his piano, and his final song was his very first #1 hit, “Because of You.”

   

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  Tony Bennett was an extraordinary artist whose enchanting vocals, jazz-inspired phrasing, charming persona, and beautifully straightforward renditions of musical classics brought the American songbook to audiences worldwide, endearing him to generations of fans. He peacefully passed away at the age of 96 at his beloved Manhattan home, where he had lived for many decades.

  In 2016, Mr. Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto, shared the news that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in an interview with AARP The Magazine in February 2021. Despite this difficult diagnosis, he courageously continued to perform and record, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music. His final public performance took place in August 2021, alongside Lady Gaga in a heartfelt show titled “One Last Time” at Radio City Music Hall.

  

  Photo: KEVIN MAZUR / Getty Images

  Throughout a remarkable career spanning over 70 years, Tony Bennett not only captivated audiences with his talent but also maintained unwavering consistency. He dedicated himself to preserving and celebrating the classic American popular song, as crafted by esteemed composers like Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and others.

  

  Photo: JP YIM / Getty Images

  From his initial success as a captivating crooner, wowing audiences at the Paramount in Times Square during the early 1950s, to his later years collaborating with younger artists from diverse musical genres and generations—most notably Lady Gaga, with whom he recorded albums in 2014 and 2021, and toured with in 2015—Tony Bennett remained an ardent advocate for songwriting and entertaining as timeless and noble pursuits. His contributions to the world of music will continue to resonate and inspire for years to come.

  

  Photo: Bryan Adams

  Tony, your music will remain in our hearts forever.

  Take a look back into Tony Bennett’s music here:

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