THEY LIVED HERE – Tony Bennett

The music of living legend Tony Bennett has touched the lives of people across the globe. In his heyday, Bennett was regarded as “the best singer in the business,” as his good friend, Frank Sinatra, often said.
One of the last remaining entertainers of his kind, Bennett’s classic hits and jazzy tunes still appeal to audiences today. Even with his international acclaim, Bennett’s humble upbringing in Queens is never far from his heart.
Born on August 3, 1926, Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born and raised in Astoria, Queens. His father labored as a grocer and his mother worked as a seamstress, as they endured through the hardships of the Depression in the 1930s. Their family circumstances were further compromised when Bennett’s father passed away in 1935.
Bennett, who was only nine when his father died, had already begun to explore his interest in the arts. At the age of 10, he was already singing and performing; he even displayed his talents at the opening of the Triborough Bridge on July 11, 1936.
Influenced by stars like Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and Louis Armstrong, Bennett often imitated their styles. His uncle, who was a vaudeville tap dancer, introduced Bennett to the world of showbiz.
Attending the High School of Industrial Art in New York, Bennett studied music and painting. He did not graduate however as he was forced to take on greater responsibility in supporting his family at 16. Having set his sights on becoming a professional singer, Bennett performed as a singing waiter in various Italian restaurants in Queens.
Bennett’s career went on hold as World War II approached. Drafted into the Army in 1944, Bennett served as a replacement infantryman in the 63rd Infantry Division, which was sent to France and Germany.
Fighting at the frontlines of the war and having pushed the German army back, Bennett was involved in the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp in Kaufering/Landsberg, Germany.
At the end of the war, he sang with the Army military band until his discharge in 1946. Having performed under the stage name, “Joe Bari,” Bennett teamed with many musicians that would go on to have prosperous musical careers after the war themselves.
Bennett however, returned home to and began studying at the American Theatre Wing on the GI Bill. He learned the bel canto style of singing, which became his signature. Taking of any opportunity to sing, Bennett took jobs as a singing waiter again.
On a night in 1949, Bennett’s days of waiting on tables would end. He performed in the presence of singer Pearl Bailey, and left quite an impression on her. So much so, that she invited him to open for her in Greenwich Village. As Bennett put his talent on display yet again, Bob Hope noticed Bennett and arranged a meeting after the show.
“Bob Hope came down to check out my act. He liked my singing so much that after the show he came back to see me in my dressing room and said, ‘Come on kid, you’re going to come to the Paramount and sing with me.’ First, he told me he didn’t care for my stage name and asked me what my real name was. I told him, ‘My name is Anthony Dominick Benedetto,’ and he said, ‘We’ll call you Tony Bennett,’ ” Bennett recalls.
Now after 50 years in the business, Bennett is one of the most recognizable figures in the world. He has sold over 50 million records worldwide, with numerous platinum and gold albums to his name. Along the way, he has also received 13 Grammy nominations and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bursting onto the scene in the 50’s on the Columbia Records label, Bennett released hits such as: “Because of You,” “Rags To Riches,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” “I Wanna Be Around,” “The Good Life,” and his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” which earned him two Grammy Awards.
Bennett is among a select few of artists to have new albums at the top of the charts in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. With no signs of slowing down or any indication that age has caught up with him, Bennett, 80, continues to add to his lore with each performance.