Legendary jazz singer Tony Bennett passed away on the morning of Friday, July 21 at the age of 96. The late singer's publicist confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press that Bennett died in his hometown of New York City, just two weeks after his death. 97th birthday. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016.
Bennett's career spans eight years, has won a total of 20 Grammy Awards, sold millions of records worldwide, and produced hits such as "The Way You Look Tonight," "(I Left My Heart) in San Francisco." ” and other classic songs. Body and Soul" and more. Bennett was also highly praised by many collaborators, including Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who once praised Bennett as "the best singer in the business."
Bennett's official Twitter account confirmed his death and shared his last memory, which was the last song he sang on the piano just days before his death. "Tony left us today, but he was still singing at the piano the other day, and his last song was 'Because of You,' which was his first hit," they wrote. "Tony, because of you, your songs will always stay in our hearts."
Tributes to the singer began pouring in on social media after the news was announced, with fans and celebrities sharing messages of condolence. On July 31, ten days after Bennett's death, his close friend and frequent collaborator Lady Gaga posted a photo of the two embracing as a tribute. "I will forever miss my friend," she wrote. "I'm going to miss singing with him, recording with him, talking with him, being on stage with him. With Tony, my life is a time warp."
View on Instagram
Speaking about Bennett's "painful" journey with Alzheimer's, she continued: "We had a long and powerful goodbye. Although there were fifty years between us, he was mine. Friend. My true friend. Our age difference doesn’t matter – in fact, it gives each of us something that most people don’t.” Gaga concluded her tribute by writing: “I love you Tony. You, ma’am.”
Meanwhile, Star Trek actor George Takei tweeted on the morning of the singer's death that Bennett was "the last of his kind", adding: "Master of the American Songbook. He may have kept his heart in San Francisco, but he won the hearts of all of us, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. Stay calm and sing for us from the stars now, Tony."
Elton John called Bennett "the most elegant singer, man and performer you will ever meet," while fellow musician Nile Rodgers wrote: "My heart goes out to Tony "My heartfelt condolences to Bennett's family and friends who are also my emotional family and friends."
Please find more social media tributes to the late Tony Bennett below.
View on Instagram
View on Instagram
View on Instagram
Bennett is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, two sons, Danny Bennett and Day Bennett, daughters, Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett; nine grandchildren.
