NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Iconic musician Tony Bennett died at the age of 96 in his New York City residence while he was battling Alzheimer's disease. "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," Bennett's representatives told People Magazine following his death.
The 'Rags to Riches' singer's illustrious career has spanned over eight decades and now after his death, fans of the pop genius are reexploring his extensive musicography. The late singer's long list of accolades includes 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Which are Tony Bennett's 5 most iconic songs?
The astounding discography of the traditional pop and jazz singer consists of 61 studio albums, 11 live albums, 33 compilation albums, three video albums, one extended play and 83 singles. While it is not possible for an individual to listen to all of them, in this story we have mentioned Bennett's five most iconic songs that one should know if he calls himself a musicophile.
'Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business'
Although Frank Sinatra popularized the classical song when he recorded it on his 1964 album 'It Might as Well Be Swing,' Bennett's own rendition of the song has always been admired and respected by his fans. When asked what Sintara thought of Bennett's version, the "Chairman of the Board" said in a 1965 Life Magazine 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.”
'Rags to Riches'
The famous musical piece is based on a famous Russian song called 'Volga Melody', also known to many as 'Samara My Lovely Town.' Even though many artists performed the song over the years, Bennett's version with Percy Faith and his orchestra is still remembered the most as it soared to No1 on the Billboard chart for eight weeks in 1953 and even became a gold record. The legendary musician even recorded a Spanglish version of the track with bachata musician Romeo Santos for his 2012 Viva Duets album.
'I Left My Heart in San Francisco'
This song written in 1953 by George Cory with lyrics from Douglass Cross has been one of the major highlights in Bennett's music career over the years. 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' was originally released as a B-side single by Bennett to 'Once Upon a Time,' but it landed at No 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also featured on the eponymous album 'Left My Heart in San Francisco.' It became so iconic that the city of San Francisco adopted the classic s one of its official anthems in 1984.
'My Foolish Heart' with Bill Evans
Victor Young and lyricist Ned Washington originally published 'My Foolish Heart' in 1949. The track was then covered by artists, including Bing Crosby, Connie Francis and Roberta Flack. However, it was Bennett and pianist Bill Evans who popularized the song when they released 'The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.'
'The Lady Is a Tramp' with Lady Gaga
It will be probably safe to say that Tony Bennett rediscovered himself as an artist after becoming one of the closest pals of Lady Gaga in Hollywood. The pair first met in 2011 after Gaga performed at the Robin Hood Foundation Gala in New York City, and it led to a fascinating musical relationship between the two of them for many years to come. That same year, Gaga ended up collaborating on Bennett's Duets II album, singing the classic, 'The Lady Is a Tramp.'
