50 Facts About Tony Bennett

Early Life and Influences

Tony Bennett's journey began in the vibrant neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, New York. His early years were shaped by his family, education, and the cultural influences around him.

1. Early Life and Education: Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, Bennett was the son of an Italian-born grocer. He attended the High School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan, where he nurtured his two passions – singing and painting.

2. Boyhood Idols: Bennett's boyhood idols included Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole, both of whom were significant influences on his easy, natural singing style.

3. Singing Career Beginnings: Bennett began singing at an early age. He sang while waiting tables as a teenager and later performed with military bands in the Army during World War II.

Military Service and Early Career

Bennett's time in the military and his early career experiences played a crucial role in shaping his future success.

4. Military Service: In 1944, Bennett was drafted into the United States Army. He served as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater and witnessed the horrors of war, including the liberation of the Kaufering concentration camp in Germany.

5. Stage Name: During his military service, Bennett performed under the stage name Joe Bari. However, comedian Bob Hope noticed him and decided to rename him Tony Bennett.

6. Post-War Career: After being discharged from the Army in 1946, Bennett made a few recordings as Joe Bari but didn't gain much success. It wasn't until Bob Hope spotted him performing with Pearl Bailey in Greenwich Village that his career took off.

Rise to Fame

Bennett's rise to fame was marked by several key moments and achievements that solidified his place in music history.

7. First Big Break: Bob Hope's recommendation led to Bennett's first big break. He was asked to perform at the Paramount Theatre in New York, where he became a sensation among screaming teenage fans.

8. First Number-One Hit: Bennett's first number-one popular song was "Because of You," released in 1951. The song was produced by Mitch Miller and featured a lush orchestral arrangement by Percy Faith.

9. Early Success: Bennett's early success continued with hits like "Cold, Cold Heart" (a remake of Hank Williams' song) and "Rags to Riches" in 1953. These songs helped introduce country music to a wider audience.

Jazz and Signature Songs

Bennett's exploration of jazz and his signature songs defined his artistic peak and enduring legacy.

10. Jazz Influences: Despite his early pop success, Bennett refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as "The Beat of My Heart" and "Basie Swings, Bennett Sings".

11. Signature Song: In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." This song won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Male Solo Vocal Performance and became one of his most enduring hits.

Passion for Visual Art

Beyond music, Bennett had a deep passion for visual art, which he pursued throughout his life.

12. Visual Art Passion: Besides music, Bennett has a deep passion for visual art. He studied painting and music at the New York School of Industrial Art but dropped out at age 16 to help support his family.

13. Artistic Success: Bennett's paintings can be seen in galleries around the world, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and The National Arts Club in New York.

Activism and Personal Struggles

Bennett's life was also marked by his activism and personal challenges, which he overcame with resilience.

14. Civil Rights Activism: Bennett was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. He participated in the famous Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and performed at a rally the night before Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech on the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery.

15. Personal Struggles: In the late 1960s and 1970s, Bennett struggled with drug addiction. A near-fatal overdose in 1979 prompted him to turn his life around, with his sons Danny and Dae playing crucial roles in his recovery.

Comeback and Later Success

Bennett's comeback in the 1980s and 1990s showcased his enduring talent and ability to connect with new audiences.

16. Comeback in the 1980s: Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, releasing gold record albums and expanding his reach to the MTV Generation while keeping his musical style intact.

17. Grammy Awards: Bennett received 20 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named a National Endowments for the Arts Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree.

18. Frank Sinatra School of the Arts: In 2001, Bennett founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York. The school is public but receives support from Exploring the Arts, a non-profit organization founded by Bennett and his wife Susan.

Collaborations and Modern Influence

Bennett's collaborations with contemporary artists and his influence on modern music highlight his versatility and timeless appeal.

19. Collaborations with Lady Gaga: Bennett's collaboration with Lady Gaga began with the album "Cheek to Cheek" in 2014. This collaboration brought him renewed acclaim and introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.

20. MTV Unplugged: Bennett's appearance on MTV Unplugged in 1994 garnered him the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. This performance helped him connect with a younger audience and solidify his legacy.

Commercial Success and Legacy

Bennett's commercial success and lasting legacy are a testament to his impact on the music industry and beyond.

21. Commercial Success: Bennett sold more than 50 million records worldwide and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His albums have consistently charted across multiple decades, making him one of the few artists to achieve this feat.

22. Influence on Pop Music: Bennett introduced many songs into the Great American Songbook that have since become standards for pop music. His influence can be seen in the work of numerous other artists.

23. Touring Career: Bennett has toured the world to sold-out audiences with rave reviews. His performances are known for their energy and emotional depth, captivating audiences across generations.

24. Legacy: Bennett's legacy extends beyond his music. He is remembered for his ability to convey joy and satisfaction in what he does, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life and Health

Bennett's personal life and health challenges, including his battle with Alzheimer's, reveal his resilience and dedication to his craft.

25. Personal Life: Bennett was the father of four children, including daughter Antonia Bennett, who is also a singer. His family has been instrumental in his career, with his son Danny serving as his manager and his son Dae as his recording engineer.

26. Health Issues: In 2016, Bennett announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Despite this diagnosis, he continued to perform and create music until his passing on July 21, 2023.

Painting and Artistic Achievements

Bennett's achievements in painting are a testament to his multifaceted talent and dedication to the arts.

27. Painting Career: Bennett's painting career has been equally successful. He has created numerous works, including a pair of paintings for the United Nations’ 50th anniversary. His tribute painting to David Hockney is on permanent display at the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio.

28. Famous Fans: Bennett had many famous fans, including comedian Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. Sinatra once called him "The best singer in the business".

29. Bob Hope’s Role: Bob Hope played a significant role in Bennett’s career. He helped get Bennett his start in the music business by stopping by one of his early gigs in New York City.

Memorable Performances and Chart Success

Bennett's memorable performances and chart-topping hits highlight his enduring appeal and versatility as an artist.

30. Paramount Theatre Performances: Bennett performed at the Paramount Theatre in New York, where he became a sensation among screaming teenage fans. His performances there were so popular that thousands of fans surrounded the theatre, held back only by police barricades.

31. Rock and Roll Era: During the rock and roll era, it became harder for existing pop singers to do well commercially. However, Bennett continued to enjoy success, placing eight songs in the Billboard Top 40 during the latter part of the 1950s.

32. Billboard Chart Success: One of Bennett’s songs, "In the Middle of an Island," reached number nine on the Billboard charts in 1957. Although he vehemently hated this song, it remains one of his notable chart successes.

Albums and Awards

Bennett's albums and numerous awards reflect his exceptional talent and contributions to music.

33. Life Magazine Interview: In an interview with Life magazine, Bennett was praised for his singing style, which excites and moves audiences. He was described as the singer who gets across what the composer has in mind and probably a little more.

34. I Left My Heart in San Francisco Album: The album "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" was a top-five hit and both the single and album achieved gold record status. The song won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Male Solo Vocal Performance for Bennett.

35. I Wanna Be Around Album: Bennett’s following album, "I Wanna Be Around," was also a top-five success. The title track and "The Good Life" each reached the top twenty of the pop singles chart along with the top ten of the Adult Contemporary chart.

Cultural Shifts and Continued Success

Despite cultural shifts in music, Bennett continued to create popular and critically acclaimed work.

36. Beatles and British Invasion: The Beatles and the British Invasion brought significant musical and cultural attention to rock and less to pop, standards, and jazz. Despite this shift, Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work.

37. Pickwick Musical: Bennett’s last top-40 single was "If I Ruled the World" from the musical Pickwick in 1965. This marked the end of his commercial fortunes during this period.

38. The Oscar Film: Bennett attempted to break into acting with a role in the poorly received 1966 film The Oscar. However, he did not enjoy the experience and did not seek further roles.

Activism and Artistic Contributions

Bennett's activism and artistic contributions extended beyond music, impacting society and the arts.

39. Stars for Freedom Rally: Bennett participated in the "Stars for Freedom" rally the night before Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech on the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery. Other performers included Harry Belafonte, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Nina Simone.

40. Kaufering Concentration Camp: During his military service, Bennett witnessed the liberation of the Kaufering concentration camp in Germany. This experience had a profound impact on him, as he recalled in his autobiography, The Good Life.

41. United Nations Paintings: Bennett created paintings for the United Nations’ 50th anniversary. His artwork is a testament to his artistic talent beyond music.

42. David Hockney Tribute Painting: Bennett’s tribute painting to David Hockney, Homage to Hockney, is on permanent display at the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio. This painting showcases his dedication to visual art.

Educational Initiatives and Legacy

Bennett's commitment to education and his lasting legacy continue to inspire future generations.

43. Exploring the Arts Non-Profit: Bennett founded Exploring the Arts, a non-profit organization that helps fund public arts high schools in New York City and Los Angeles. This organization supports the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, which he founded in 2001.

44. Lady Gaga Birthday Celebration: Lady Gaga celebrated Bennett’s 89th birthday by giving him a giant birthday cake onstage during one of her concerts. This gesture highlights the respect and admiration she has for him.

45. Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen: Bennett published a book titled Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen in 1996, which features many of his paintings. This book showcases his artistic talent and dedication to visual art.

46. Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music: In 2007, Bennett published another book titled Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music. This book provides insight into his life and career, both in music and art.

Influence and Final Years

Bennett's influence on other artists and his final years reflect his enduring impact and dedication to his craft.

47. Tony Bennett’s Artistic Style: Bennett’s artistic style is characterized by his ability to convey joy and satisfaction in what he does. This quality has made him beloved by audiences across generations.

48. Tony Bennett’s Influence on Other Artists: Bennett’s influence can be seen in the work of numerous other artists. His legacy extends beyond his own music, as he has introduced many songs into the Great American Songbook that have since become standards for pop music.

49. Tony Bennett’s Legacy in Music Education: The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, founded by Bennett, continues to provide musical education to aspiring artists. This school is a testament to his commitment to preserving and promoting musical arts.

50. Tony Bennett’s Final Years: Despite his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, Bennett continued to perform and create music until his passing on July 21, 2023. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come as a testament to his enduring passion for music and art.

Tony Bennett's Enduring Legacy

Tony Bennett's life was a testament to his passion for music, art, and social activism. From his early days singing while waiting tables to becoming a global sensation, Bennett's journey was nothing short of remarkable. His signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," and collaborations with artists like Lady Gaga showcased his versatility and timeless appeal. Beyond music, his dedication to visual art and civil rights activism highlighted his multifaceted talents and commitment to making a difference. Despite personal struggles and health issues, Bennett's resilience and love for his craft never wavered. His legacy continues through his music, paintings, and the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, inspiring future generations. Tony Bennett's story is one of enduring passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions to the arts will be remembered and cherished for years to come.