
Tony Bennett, a music legend, died at the age of 96.
The celebrated singer, best known for classics such as New York State of Mind, Rags to Riches, and duets with Lady Gaga, died early today at his home in New York.
His publicist confirmed the tragedy, saying he died barely two weeks before his birthday.
‘Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens on August 3rd, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today,’ they told People Magazine in a statement.
‘The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and nine grandchildren.’
His death cause has not been disclosed, however he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016.
The New York-born artist developed a passion for singing at a young age and wowed many with his abilities as a youngster.
He was recruited into the war in 1944 and returned to the United States two years later, when he began a very successful career in show business.
In 1949, he was given a chance when he opened for Pearl Bailey in Greenwich Village; Bob Hope was in the crowd and took a shine to the late star, telling him to publicly alter his name from Benedetto to Bennett.
Bennett signed his first record deal the following year and went on to have a run of songs, including Because of You and Cold, Cold Heart, which reached number one.
Because of You, his debut album, was released in 1952, and he went on to release Cloud 7, the Beat of My Heart, and To My Wonderful One.
Rags to Riches, his 1953 single, was prominently heard in the opening credits of Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas.
He sold millions of songs and received an incredible 20 Grammys throughout his decades-long career, including a lifetime achievement award in 2001.
In 1994, he was elected into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
Bennett was celebrated by fans, critics and his peers but it was Frank Sinatra who offered him the highest of praise, declaring in a 1965 interview: ‘For my money, Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business.
‘He excites me when I watch him. He moves me. He’s the singer who gets across what the composer has in mind, and probably a little more.’
Throughout his career, he has worked with musical legends such as Christina Aguilera, Aretha Franklin, and Amy Winehouse.
He also collaborated often with Lady Gaga, releasing their collaborative album, Love For Sale, in 2021.
Gaga grew tearful when she dedicated her Grammys performance in 2022 to the artist, who was unable to attend due to illness.
‘We love you Tony, we miss you,’ she said at the time.
The music superstar was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 and will share the news in 2021.
Tweeting a link to an interview with AARP, he wrote: ‘Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s.
‘Thank you to [my wife] Susan and my family for their support, and AARP The Magazine for telling my story.’
Despite his illness, he performed for five years until retiring from the stage in 2021.
Bennett leaves behind his wife, Susan, his children, Danny, Dae, Johanna, and Antonia, as well as nine grandkids.