In this episode, Mike guides us through the life and career of Tony Bennett. A keeper of the American Songbook, Tony Bennett’s career spanned over 70 years, with over 50 million records sold. His voice was one of a kind, and his performances were always memorable.
There are so many wonderful recordings and videos of Tony Bennett’s performances, so I thought I’d highlight a few that are featured on today’s episode.
Here he is in 1955 singing “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”
Tony performed “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. This would become Tony’s signature song.
In 1994, Bennett recorded a concert for MTV Unplugged. Check out him singing “Fly Me to the Moon”
In 2021, Tony Bennett recorded his final album, a compilation of duets with Lady Gaga. Here they are singing “Love for Sale”. There are so many special moments throughout their collaboration. This is certainly a highlight, where Tony Bennett is able to introduce Lady Gaga as she enters the stage.
Tony was also an accomplished painter. You can view some of his works here.
Song Credits:
“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams;” Written by Al Dubin & Harry Warren; Performed by Tony Bennett; Columbia, 1950
“Because of You;” Performed by Tony Bennett; Written by Arthur Hammerstein & Dudley Wilkinson; Columbia, 1951
“Rags to Riches;” Performed by Tony Bennett with Percy Faith & His Orchestra; Written by Richard Adler & Jerry Ross; Columbia, 1953
“Chicago;” Performed by Tony Bennett & Count Basie And His Orchestra; Written by Fred Fisher; Roulette, 1959
“(I Left My Heart) In San Francisco;” Performed by Tony Bennett; Written by Douglass Cross & George Cory; Columbia, 1962
“How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” Performed by Tony Bennett; Written by Michel legrand, Alan Bergman, & Marilyn Bergman; Columbia, 1986
“Fly Me To the Moon (In Other Words);” Performed by Tony Bennett; Written by Bart Howard; Columbia, 1994
“Smile;” Performed by Tony Bennett; Written by J. Turner, G. Parsons, and C. Chaplin; Columbia, 1966
“Put On A Happy Face;” Performed by Tony Bennett and James Taylor; Written by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse; Columbia, 2006
“Love For Sale;” Performed by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga; Written by Cole Porter; Columbia, 2021
