Renowned singer Tony Bennett, famous for hits like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” passed away at the age of 96. Bennett’s iconic song came about almost by chance. While on tour in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1961, Bennett and his long-time accompanist, Ralph Sharon, stumbled upon the sheet music for the song in Sharon’s shirt drawer. Bennett’s heartfelt rendition of the song captured the magic and allure of San Francisco, leading to its immense popularity.
Throughout his career, Bennett encountered numerous legends of the music industry. During my time working on a book with Bennett in 2016, we would sit together in his New York art studio, where he pursued painting in addition to his musical endeavors. I would mention names of individuals he had known throughout his eight-decade career, and Bennett would share fascinating anecdotes about each one. For instance, he recalled how Duke Ellington would send him roses before their musical collaborations, and how Frank Sinatra encouraged him to work hard and earn the audience’s adoration.
Bennett also recounted performing a show with Harry Belafonte and Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement in 1965. State troopers had forbidden the use of a theater or school for an integrated show, so the performers had to stand on borrowed caskets from a local mortician. These stories showcased Bennett’s commitment to using his platform for important causes.
Despite encountering various luminaries and shady producers in the music industry, Bennett always chose not to cast anyone as a villain. He believed that everyone had their own story to tell. This compassionate perspective likely stemmed from his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his mother, Anna Suraci Benedetto, who sewed dresses. As a child, Bennett would watch his mother carefully select high-quality fabric for her work, which left a lasting impression on him. This attention to quality translated into his own artistry, as he declined numerous opportunities to record songs that he felt lacked substance.
Bennett considered his collaborations with jazz artist Bill Evans in the 1970s as some of his most enduring and impactful work. While these albums did not initially receive widespread acclaim, their timeless appeal has solidified their place in music history.
Tony Bennett’s legacy lives on through his lifelong dedication to his craft and his ability to touch the hearts of millions with his music. He leaves behind a world that he loved and uplifted, with a rich catalog of songs that continue to resonate with audiences.
