Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, was an iconic singer whose remarkable career has spanned over seven decades. Known for his smooth voice, Bennett left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.
Videos by American Songwriter
Kicking off his career in the 1940s, Bennett’s journey was marked by his signature blend of jazz, pop, and traditional standards. His breakthrough came with the release of “Because of You” in 1951, a chart-topping hit that catapulted him to fame. Throughout his career, he has dazzled audiences with hits like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” and “Rags to Riches.”
Bennett passed away on July 21, in his hometown of New York City. A cause of death was not revealed, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. Throughout his career, Bennett released more than 70 albums, sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, and won 20 Grammy Awards but what did the legendary singer have to say about music, life, and his collaborative partner, Lady Gaga? These are the 20 best quotes from Tony Bennett.
1. “Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.”
2. “I never met a more talented person in my life. [Lady Gaga] is the Picasso of the entertainment world.”
3. “Life teaches you how to live it if you live long enough.”
4. “Music is a universal language.”
5. “My philosophy is: If you can’t have fun, there’s no sense in doing it.”
6. “I have always felt that music can communicate beyond what words can.”
7. “I never knew how much I loved music until I started making it.”
8. “When you sing, you are not just singing for yourself, you are singing for everyone.”
9. “Art is about passion; music especially.”
10. “In life, we are all just passing through. And the moment we are gone, we are gone.”
11. “Jazz is the best of America.”
12. “Singing is the most natural thing in the world for me.”
13. “The audience is the most revered member of the band.”
14. “A good melody can change the world.”
15. ” I was impressed from the very first time I heard her sing live. I just couldn’t get over it. She’s a wonderful performer, and I think she’s going to be a wonderful actress. She’s got it all.”
16. “Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.”
17. “The way to maintain one’s connection to the wild is to ask yourself what it is that you want.”
18. “Music is all about listening, and the more you hear, the more you’ll learn.”
19. “Music can take you places that words alone can’t.”
20. “The best music happens when you have a personal connection to it.”
21. “Singing is an act of love.”
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images
