Legendary pop and jazz singer Tony Bennett died Friday at the age of 96. The information was confirmed by his publicist Sylvia Weiner in a statement sent to the Associated Press.
BREAKING: Tony Bennett has died. The eminent stylist of American musical standards and last of the great saloon singers was 96. https://t.co/LNeLUeKhJ9
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 21, 2023
The beloved crooner of songs such as 'The Way You Look Tonight,' passed away in his hometown of New York, the cause of death was not detailed. The singer had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016.
An 80-year career with 20 Grammy Awards
Bennett collaborated with artists such as Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra. The singer of 'Body and Soul' and 'I Left My Heart In San Francisco' had a career spanning eight decades, sold millions of records, won 20 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was born into a family of Italian immigrants as Anthony Dominick Benedetto. He worked as a waiter before studying music and painting at the School of Industrial Art in New York. In 1944 he was recruited by the U.S. Army to fight in France and Germany during the end of World War II. Upon his return, he pursued a career as a singer.
