Childhood and Education Journey of Tony Bennett in Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Tony Bennett. A timeline of key moments.
Tony Bennett (Anthony Dominick Benedetto) was a highly acclaimed American jazz and traditional pop singer. He amassed 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Recognized as a National Endowments for the Arts Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree, Bennett significantly contributed to arts education by founding the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and co-founding Exploring the Arts. His global record sales exceeded 50 million, earning him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying his place as a music icon.
1906: Father's Emigration
In 1906, Tony Bennett's father, John Benedetto, emigrated from Podargoni, Italy, to the United States, marking the beginning of the family's American journey.
August 3, 1926: Anthony Dominick Benedetto Born
On August 3, 1926, Anthony Dominick Benedetto, later known as Tony Bennett, was born. He went on to become a famous jazz and traditional pop singer.
November 1944: Drafted into the Army
In November 1944, Tony Bennett was drafted into the United States Army during the final stages of World War II, marking the beginning of his military service.
January 1945: Assigned to 255th Infantry Regiment
In January 1945, after processing through Le Havre, Tony Bennett was assigned as a replacement infantryman to the 255th Infantry Regiment of the 63rd Infantry Division, a unit filling in for the heavy losses suffered in the Battle of the Bulge.
1946: Studied at the American Theatre Wing
In 1946, after being discharged from the Army, Tony Bennett studied at the American Theatre Wing on the GI Bill, focusing on bel canto singing discipline and developing his musical skills.
February 12, 1952: Marriage to Patricia Beech
On February 12, 1952, Tony Bennett married Patricia Beech in New York City.
1954: Birth of son D'Andrea (Danny)
In 1954, Tony Bennett's son, D'Andrea (Danny) was born.
1955: Birth of son Daegal (Dae)
In 1955, Tony Bennett's son, Daegal (Dae) was born.
1965: Separation from Patricia Beech
In 1965, Tony Bennett and his wife Patricia Beech separated due to his time on the road.
1965: Involvement with Sandra Grant
In 1965, Tony Bennett became involved with Sandra Grant while filming "The Oscar".
1965: Participated in Selma to Montgomery Marches
In 1965, Tony Bennett, a firm believer in the Civil Rights Movement, participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches and performed in the "Stars for Freedom" rally.
1969: Patricia sues for divorce
In 1969, Patricia Beech sued Tony Bennett for divorce on grounds of adultery.
1970: Birth of daughter Joanna
In 1970, Tony Bennett's daughter, Joanna, was born.
December 29, 1971: Marriage to Sandra Grant
On December 29, 1971, Tony Bennett quietly married Sandra Grant in New York.
1971: Divorce from Patricia Beech finalized
In 1971, Tony Bennett's divorce from Patricia Beech became official.
1974: Birth of daughter Antonia
In 1974, Tony Bennett's daughter, Antonia, was born.
1979: Near-Fatal Cocaine Overdose
In 1979, Tony Bennett experienced a near-fatal cocaine overdose and reached out to his sons for help, expressing his feeling of being lost and unwanted in the music industry.
1983: Divorce from Sandra Grant
In 1983, Tony Bennett and Sandra Grant divorced.
1993: Benefit Concerts Organized by Alternative Rock Stations
In 1993, Tony Bennett played a series of benefit concerts organized by alternative rock radio stations, exposing his music to a younger audience.
1996: Publication of 'Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen'
In 1996, many of Tony Bennett's works were published in the art book "Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen".
1999: Assets worth $15 to $20 Million
By 1999, Tony Bennett's assets were worth $15 to 20 million. He continued to record and tour, playing a hundred shows a year.
2001: Opening of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts
In 2001, Tony Bennett and Susan Crow founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, a public high school dedicated to teaching the performing arts, which opened in 2001.
2001: Official Artist for Kentucky Derby
In 2001, Tony Bennett was chosen as the official artist for the Kentucky Derby.
April 2002: Fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee
In April 2002, Tony Bennett joined Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker, and former President Bill Clinton in a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at New York City's Apollo Theater.
December 2005: Alleged Conversation with President George W. Bush
In December 2005, Tony Bennett claimed that former President George W. Bush told him he felt he had made a mistake invading Iraq, which was later denied by a Bush spokesperson.
August 3, 2006: 80th Birthday Celebrations and Album Release
On August 3, 2006, Tony Bennett turned 80 years old. His record label celebrated by releasing reissues, compilations, and the album Duets: An American Classic, which reached his highest chart position ever and won a Grammy Award.
June 21, 2007: Marriage to Susan Crow
On June 21, 2007, Tony Bennett married Susan Crow in a private civil ceremony in New York.
2007: Publication of 'Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music'
In 2007, the art book "Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music" became a bestseller among art books.
September 2011: Controversial Remarks on the Howard Stern Show
In September 2011, Tony Bennett appeared on The Howard Stern Show and made controversial remarks about the cause of the September 11 attacks.
February 2012: Call for Drug Legalization
In February 2012, Tony Bennett called for the legalization of drugs.
August 19, 2016: Statue Unveiling
On August 19, 2016, Tony Bennett was honored with the unveiling of an 8-foot tall statue in front of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, attended by prominent political figures and serenaded by a choir.
2016: Alzheimer's Diagnosis
In 2016, Tony Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, though this was not publicly revealed until February 2021.
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Halts Performances
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic halted Tony Bennett's performances.
February 2021: Alzheimer's Diagnosis Revealed
In February 2021, an article revealed that Tony Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016.
August 12, 2021: Retirement Announcement
On August 12, 2021, Tony Bennett's retirement from concerts was announced due to physical frailty.
August 2021: Alzheimer's impact on memory
In August 2021, Danny Bennett revealed that Alzheimer's primarily affected Tony Bennett's short-term memory, but his long-term memory remained intact.
2022: Continued Rehearsals
As of early 2022, despite his retirement, Tony Bennett continued to rehearse with his music director three times a week.
