With over 70 albums, 20 Grammy Awards, and countless professional accolades to his name, it’s difficult to summarize the impact Tony Bennett had on the world during his 96 years of life. The celebrated singer died on July 21, leaving behind an extensive and influential catalog of music that has already influenced multiple generations of artists and captivated fans of all ages.
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Whether he was collaborating with other vocalists of his era or rising stars who grew up listening to his trademark songs, the New York City native managed to bridge gaps and foster connection. A charismatic showman with a soft heart, Bennett stayed true to himself and his sound while consistently finding new ways to reimagine his classic hits.
Take a look back at ten incredible Tony Bennett songs that changed music forever.
10. “The Good Life”
This 1963 single became a global hit and a lasting staple of the beloved singer’s live sets for decades. He resisted the track many times over his lengthy career, even recruiting Billy Joel for a joyful version on his 2006 album Duets: An American Classic.
9. “Blue Velvet”
Although this Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris composition has since been covered by an extensive list of artists over the decades, Bennett was the first to make it a radio hit in 1951. This mournful examination of a persisting heartbreak shows off Bennett’s range as his emotive vocals drown the listener in endless and excruciating longing.
8. “Because of You”
The title track from Bennett’s debut record, released in 1952, also marked his first No. 1 hit. “Because of You” helped the burgeoning vocalist forge a path to superstardom but also became another cornerstone track of his live shows. When Bennett performed his final live concerts in 2021, he included the song in his set lists as a nod to where it all began nearly 70 years earlier.
7. “Rags to Riches”
Written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, “Rags to Riches” became another early success for Bennett upon its release in 1953, staying at No. 1 for an impressive eight weeks. The track was introduced to a whole new audience in 1990 when it was used during the opening moments of the critically acclaimed film Goodfellas.
6. “The Best is Yet to Come”
Although this swinging tune was made famous by blue-eyed crooner Frank Sinatra, “The Best is Yet to Come” was originally written for and recorded by Bennett. Included on his 1962 album, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, his rendition offers a type of joyous swagger that’s distinctly all his own.
5. “Body and Soul”
One of Bennett’s key talents was making any song, whether new or an established classic, into something distinctly his own. In 2011, he recorded a captivating rendition of the soul classic “Body and Soul” with Amy Winehouse, unaware it would be the last time she would enter the studio. The 27-year-old British talent, who cited Bennett as a major influence, died just four months later, adding a bittersweet quality to their stellar performance.
4. “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”
This classic Duke Ellington composition was a favorite of Bennett’s, which he often performed with a variety of fellow musical talents from across genres. Over the years, he recruited modern crooner Michael Bublé, Spanish pop artist Miguel Bosé, and “Rat Pack” member Sammy Davis Jr. to help put a fresh new spin on the track.
3. “Cheek to Cheek”
Everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra has put their spin on this Fred Astaire tune, but it was Bennett’s duet version with Lady Gaga in 2014 that sparked a new, important chapter in his career. After meeting in 2011, the unexpected duo forged a close friendship that resulted in a collaborative album. “Cheek to Cheek” served as the Grammy Award-winning project’s title track and showcases the pair’s sweet creative bond.
2 . “The Way You Look Tonight”
Originally made famous by Fred Astaire, this sweeping romantic tune was first included on Bennett’s 1958 album, Long Ago and Far Away. Much like “Rags to Riches,” the track found new ears in 1997 when Bennett re-recorded “The Way You Look Tonight” with the Ralph Sharon Trio for inclusion in the hit romantic comedy, My Best Friend’s Wedding.
1. “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”
Released in 1962, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” became a signature song for both Bennett and the scenic California city at the center of its lyrics. Selected for preservation by the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress, this San Francisco tune is often cited as one of the most influential and impactful modern pop songs from the 20th century.
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