Tributes have been paid to Tony Bennett, who has died aged 96.
The New York pop and jazz singer was known for his star duets – including Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin – as well as his own solo recordings such as The Good Life, If I Ruled The World, Because Of You and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.
The New Yorker, whose real name was Anthony Dominick Benedetto, died in his hometown this morning (July 21), his publicist Sylvia Weiner has confirmed.
Rob Stringer, chairman, Sony Music Group, paid tribute to Tony Bennett.
“There are few people in life who could surpass the achievements of the legendary artist Tony Bennett,” said Rob Stringer. “His biography reads like an inspiring and principled socio-cultural history of nearly a century. His artistry in recording and performing will be admired forever.
“Everyone at Sony Music worldwide loved him and we are now honoured to represent his legacy.”
Bennett had nine UK Top 40 singles and four Top 10 albums across a career spanning seven decades. He was last in the albums Top 10 in 2021 with his second Lady Gaga LP collaboration, Love For Sale.
His last public appearance was with Lady Gaga in the same year at New York's Radio Music Hall. Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, and announced his diagnosis five years later.
Bennett’s biggest-selling album in the UK is 2011’s Duets II (Columbia), on 256,496. It featured Body & Soul, his Top 40 hit with Amy Winehouse (97,389 sales).
There are artist and industry tributes to Tony Bennett from social media below.
My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett’s family and friends. They’re also my emotional family and friends pic.twitter.com/eohrA6fpjI
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) July 21, 2023
Today marks the end of an era, as we say farewell to Tony Bennett. A true star, a true gentleman and a wonderful friend and mentor to Amy. Thank you for the music Tony. Our love and heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. #TonyBennett @itstonybennett pic.twitter.com/bcoEu7r0No
— AmyWinehouseFdation (@AmysFoundation) July 21, 2023
RIP Tony Bennett, one of America’s most charismatic and versatile voices. pic.twitter.com/M2nfPIdzMU
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) July 21, 2023
Tony Bennett... Rest in Peace ?????
— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) July 21, 2023
Legendary. pic.twitter.com/WYHT6zmjoT
Tony Bennett, the legendary New York pop and jazz singer, has sadly died at the age of 96.
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) July 21, 2023
We’re sending love to Tony’s friends and family. ???? pic.twitter.com/nMw65IdKbF
Rest in Peace to one of the best to ever grace the stage. I was just saying that the greatest gig I had ever witnessed was Tony Bennett at North Sea Jazz in 2012. It was like dropping a needle on a record. He was the last of the greatest generation of singers and musicians. pic.twitter.com/KAqtyA3ujr
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) July 21, 2023
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