In memory of Tony Bennett: The Golden City's beloved crooner

Tony Bennett's iconic voice may have left us, but his legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of music enthusiasts around the world. Recalling the magic of his performance, he recounts how he stumbled upon his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Little did he know that this soulful tune would become synonymous with the city of gold.

The story goes back to one night in 1961 when Tony and his longtime partner Ralph Sharon find themselves in Hot Springs, Ark., during a nightclub excursion. It was there, after a show, that they stumbled upon the sheet music of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" hidden in Ralph's shirt drawer. Tony and Ralph played around with the song on the piano, and from the first note, Tony's rendition captured the charm of San Francisco.

Their impromptu performance caught the attention of a Hot Springs bartender who was so moved that he made them a promise: "If you record that song, I'll buy the first copy." Little did he know that the song would sell millions of copies year after year, cementing it as Tony Bennett's unforgettable anthem.

In 2016 I had the opportunity to collaborate on a book celebrating Tony Bennett's 90th birthday. Sitting next to him in his New York art studio, where he demonstrated his talent as a painter, we begin his eight-decade-long journey in show business. From singing at the opening of Triborough Bridge at the age of ten, a gig he secured through his uncle's connections, to rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in the industry, Tony's life was a treasure trove of fascinating stories.

Tony recounted meeting such luminaries as Duke Ellington, who would send him a dozen long-stemmed pink roses whenever he wanted to collaborate on a song. He fondly recalled the advice of Frank Sinatra, who once reassured him about pre-show nerves, saying, "It's good. It means you care. ... Work hard for them, and they'll cheer hard for you."

A poignant memory of the time Harry Belafonte and Martin Luther King invited Tony to perform for a civil rights march along the Jefferson Davis Highway to Selma in 1965. Faced with discrimination, they had to improvise and sing on caskets borrowed from a local mortician when state troopers refused to let them enter theaters or schools for a concert.

Throughout our conversation, Tony never once insulted anyone from his past. She believed that everyone has their own story and preferred to focus on positive memories. She often spoke of her mother, Anna Surasi Benedetto, a skilled dressmaker in Queens. She vividly remembers sitting next to him as he painstakingly made clothes, instilling in him a passion for quality.

This dedication to excellence extends to his art. Tony turned down numerous offers to record potential chart-toppers as he insisted on working with quality material from the likes of Ellington, Cole Porter and Harold Arlen.

Among his most cherished works were two albums recorded with jazz artist Bill Evans in the 1970s. Although they did not gain much traction at the time, these albums are now considered timeless classics. Tony's words echo with wisdom, "Sometimes the world just needs to catch up with what you're doing."

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary artist, let us remember Tony Bennett not only as a legendary singer, but also as a man who had a deep respect for the art he created and the people he touched. His legacy will forever inspire future generations to follow their passions with unwavering commitment and leave their hearts holding their deepest dreams.

Tony Bennett, an American musical icon, started his singing journey at a tender age. However, his path to stardom took an unexpected turn when he served as a US Army infantryman during the final stages of World War II in the European theater. After the war, he honed his singing technique and attracted the attention of Columbia Records, which led to his first number-one hit "Because of You" in 1951. He continued to make waves in early 1953 with popular tracks like "Rags to Riches," but it was his exploration of jazz music that showed his versatility.

In the late 1950s, Tony Bennett's artistry reached new heights with acclaimed albums such as "The Beat of My Heart" and "Bessie Swings, Bennett Sings". His distinctive voice and style make him an enduring figure in the music industry. In 1962, "I left my heart in San Francisco."

As rock music dominated the scene of the era, Bennett faced challenges in both his career and personal life. However, she proved her resilience with a remarkable comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, reclaiming her status as a gold record artist and successfully connecting with the MTV generation without compromising her musical integrity.

Tony Bennett's creative spark lives on into the 21st century, earning him acclaim and popularity for his collaborations with Lady Gaga. In 2014, their album "Cheek to Cheek" and subsequent tour delighted audiences worldwide. In 2021, he achieved significant milestones, breaking the record for the longest run of a top-10 album on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist and becoming the oldest person to release an album of new material at the age of 95 years and 60 days.

Amidst his musical triumphs, Bennett faced a personal battle with Alzheimer's disease. In 2016, she was diagnosed with the condition, but her fans were unaware of her struggle due to the slow progression of the illness. Admirably, he continued to record, tour and perform until he finally retired from concerts, with his final shows taking place on August 3 and 5, 2021 at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.

Throughout his career, Tony Bennett's enduring passion for music and his extraordinary resilience touched the hearts of millions. He left an indelible mark on the industry, and his iconic voice and contribution to the music world will continue to inspire generations to come.

In November 1944, in the final stages of World War II, young Anthony Benedetto was drafted into the United States Army. He received basic training at Fort Dix and Fort Robinson, where he faced prejudice from a sergeant because of his Italian heritage and New York City background. This led to tough jobs like KP duty and bar cleaning. After processing through the Replacement Depot at Le Havre in January 1945, he was assigned to the 63rd Infantry Division's 255th Infantry Regiment, a unit that suffered heavy losses in the Battle of the Bulge. As part of the infantry, he endured bitter winters and dangerous battles with German 88mm guns while jumping into foxholes. Frontline experiences had a profound effect on him, turning him into a pacifist and leading him to denounce the romantic notion of war.

During his service, Benedetto's company traveled through France and later into Germany, crossing the Rhine and Koch rivers and finally reaching the Danube. He escaped death many times, witnessing the horrors of war that haunted him for life. He was involved in the liberation of the Kaufering concentration camp, an experience that left a permanent scar on his psyche.

After the war ended, Benedetto remained in Germany as part of the occupation forces. He faced isolation and demotion for dining with a black friend, leading to his reassignment to the Graves Registration Service. However, he found solace in music and sang with the 314th Army Special Services Band under the stage name Joe Barrie, showcasing his talent for entertaining fellow soldiers.

In 1946, after returning to the United States, Benedetto pursued his passion for music. She studied at the American Theater Wing, learning the bel canto singing discipline that would shape her voice for her entire career. Even while working as a waiter, he performed wherever he went. His unique approach to singing helped him develop his own improvisational style, imitating the style of other musicians such as Stan Getz and Art Tatum.

In 1949, Pearl Bailey recognized her talent and invited her to open for him in Greenwich Village. The encounter leads to a chance encounter with Bob Hope, who shortens his name to Tony Bennett and takes him on the road. In 1950, Bennett recorded a demo of "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and it marked the beginning of his journey with Columbia Records under the direction of Mitch Miller.

Tony Bennett's early life was filled with trials and challenges, but it was a time of growth and musical discovery that laid the foundation for his enduring career as one of America's most beloved singers.