Singer and Soundtrack veteran Tony Bennett Dies

Tony Bennett, a crooner of the best order, who was in a position to re-invent himself a number of occasions by way of the many years, and whose music is throughout film soundtracks, has died. He was 96.

Early Life

Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born on August third, 1926, in Queens to a father who died when he was 10. His mom labored as a seamstress whereas elevating three kids. Bennett sang at household gatherings and listened to Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby in his teenagers earlier than serving within the Army infantry throughout World War II. He was 18 when he fought within the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate a focus camp at Landsberg, Germany.

His navy expertise knowledgeable his political activism after he was reprimanded for spending Thanksgiving with the household of a black fellow soldier.

In New York after the battle, Bennett held a collection of wierd jobs — elevator operator, grocery supply boy, singing waiter — whereas utilizing the GI Bill to review voice on the American Theatre Wing, the group that sponsors the Tony Awards.

He was working below the identify Joe Bari in 1949 when comic Bob Hope invited him to be his opening act at New York’s Paramount Theater. Just earlier than the younger singer went onstage, Hope requested him what his actual identify was. It was Hope who advised he use the identify Tony Bennett, and historical past was made.

Related Article: Legendary Singer and Actress Tina Turner Has Died on the Age of 83

Music Career

Bennett’s first chart-topping hit was 1950’s ‘Because of You’, and he was a performer very a lot within the Sinatra mildew: an old-school crooner whose again catalogue contains such memorable music as ‘Rags to Riches’, ‘Cold, Cold Heart’, and the long-lasting ‘I Left my Heart in San Francisco’.

A a number of Grammy winner, Bennett rode a turbulent life and profession marked by failed marriages and drug abuse, and re-invented himself greater than as soon as, most famously alongside Lady Gaga, proving he may keep related and profitable by way of totally different eras.

Elton John was among the many many who paid tribute:

Film Crossovers

(L to R) Tony Bennett, Julius Tennon, and Viola Davis arrive for the 84th Annual Academy Awards® from Hollywood, CA February 26, 2012. Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S.

Bennett has a couple of movie appearances on his resume, together with 1966’s ‘The Oscar’ a couple of snooty actor who turns into much more stuffed with himself when he’s nominated for the titular award.

He additionally has credit within the likes of ‘Analyze This’, ‘Casino’, ‘The Scout’, ‘Bruce Almighty’ and ‘Muppets Most Wanted’. And his music has appeared on the soundtrack of too many motion pictures to depend, however some memorable examples embrace ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’, ‘Swingers’, ‘JFK’ and ‘Raging Bull’.

“In Bruce we trust?”

67

PG-131 hr 41 minMay 14th, 2003

Here’s what music historian John Edward Hasse needed to say about Bennett:

“Tony Bennett possessed one of the great voices and singing careers of the last 60 years. Not very many singers, much less musicians, have achieved that kind of durability. He’s got a jazz musician’s phrasing and sense of timing, as well as a feeling for spontaneity. These are classic, timeless aesthetic values that he personifies.”

Singer Tony Bennett on the because the 2010 Governors Awards within the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood, CA, Saturday, November 13. Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S.

Movies Or Specials Featuring Tony Bennett Or His Music:

Buy Tony Bennett Music on Amazon