History of Tony Bennett in Timeline
Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known professionally as Tony Bennett, was an American jazz and traditional pop singer. Throughout his illustrious career, Bennett received numerous accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was honored as an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Bennett also contributed to arts education by founding the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York. He sold over 50 million records globally and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
August 3, 1926: Birth of Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett was born as Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, at St. John's Hospital in Long Island City, Queens, New York City. He was the first member of his family to be born in a hospital.
November 1944: Drafted into the U.S. Army
In November 1944, during the final stages of World War II, Tony Bennett was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as an infantry rifleman.
January 1945: Deployment to European Theater
In January 1945, Tony Bennett was assigned as a replacement infantryman to the 255th Infantry Regiment in the European Theater, participating in significant battles.
March 1945: Frontline Experience
In March 1945, Tony Bennett joined the front line, experiencing intense combat during World War II, which he later described as a 'front-row seat in hell.'
1946: Studied at American Theatre Wing
In 1946, after being discharged from the Army, Tony Bennett studied at the American Theatre Wing on the GI Bill, learning the bel canto singing discipline.
1949: Opening for Pearl Bailey
In 1949, Pearl Bailey recognized Tony Bennett's talent and asked him to open for her in Greenwich Village, leading to his discovery by Bob Hope.
1949: Early Recordings as Bari
In 1949, Tony Bennett made a few recordings under the name Bari for Leslie Records, although they did not sell well.
1950: Signed with Columbia Records
In 1950, Tony Bennett signed with Columbia Records after recording a demo of 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams,' marking a significant step in his music career.
1951: First Number-One Hit
In 1951, Tony Bennett's song 'Because of You' became his first number-one popular song, marking the beginning of his successful music career.
February 12, 1952: Marriage to Patricia Beech
On February 12, 1952, Tony Bennett married Ohio art student Patricia Beech in a ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York.
1953: Release of 'Rags to Riches'
In 1953, Tony Bennett released 'Rags to Riches,' an up-tempo big band number that topped the charts for eight weeks, showcasing his versatility as a singer.
1954: Birth of Son D'Andrea
In 1954, Tony Bennett and Patricia Beech welcomed their first son, D'Andrea (Danny).
1954: Chuck Wayne becomes musical director
In 1954, guitarist Chuck Wayne became Tony Bennett's musical director, marking a significant step in Bennett's musical journey.
1955: Success Amidst Rock and Roll Era
In 1955, despite the rise of rock and roll, Tony Bennett continued to enjoy commercial success, placing eight songs in the Billboard Top 40 during the latter part of the 1950s.
1955: Birth of Son Daegal
In 1955, Tony Bennett and Patricia Beech had their second son, Daegal (Dae).
1955: Release of Cloud 7
In 1955, Tony Bennett released his first long-playing album, Cloud 7, featuring guitarist Chuck Wayne. This album showcased Bennett's jazz inclinations.
September 1956: The Tony Bennett Show
In September 1956, Tony Bennett hosted an NBC Saturday night television variety show, The Tony Bennett Show, as a summer replacement for The Perry Como Show. This opportunity allowed Bennett to share the spotlight with other hosts like Patti Page and Julius La Rosa.
1957: Ralph Sharon joins Bennett
In 1957, Ralph Sharon became Tony Bennett's pianist, arranger, and musical director, replacing Chuck Wayne. Sharon encouraged Bennett to focus more on his jazz inclinations.
1957: Release of The Beat of My Heart
In 1957, Tony Bennett released the album The Beat of My Heart, featuring well-known jazz musicians and a strong emphasis on percussion. The album was popular and critically acclaimed.
1957: Top Hit with 'In the Middle of an Island'
In 1957, Tony Bennett's song 'In the Middle of an Island' reached number nine on the Billboard Top 40, despite his personal dislike for the song.
1958: Collaboration with Count Basie Orchestra
In 1958, Tony Bennett began working with the Count Basie Orchestra, becoming the first male pop vocalist to sing with Basie's band. The album Basie Swings, Bennett Sings was a well-regarded result of this collaboration.
1959: Co-hosting The Perry Como Show
In 1959, Tony Bennett again filled in for The Perry Como Show, this time co-hosting the summer-long Perry Presents alongside Teresa Brewer and Jaye P. Morgan.
1959: Release of In Person!
In 1959, Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra released the album In Person!, which was well-received. The song 'Chicago' was one of the standout tracks from this collaboration.
1961: First Performance of 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco'
In 1961, Tony Bennett first sang 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' at the Fairmont Hotel.
June 1962: Carnegie Hall Concert
In June 1962, Tony Bennett staged a highly promoted concert at Carnegie Hall, featuring a stellar lineup of musicians. The concert, which was recorded for posterity, featured 44 songs and was a major success, boosting Bennett's reputation.
October 1962: Appearance on The Tonight Show
In October 1962, Tony Bennett sang on the initial broadcast of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, further cementing his status as a prominent performer.
1962: Release of I Left My Heart in San Francisco
In 1962, Tony Bennett released his recording of 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco.' Although the single only reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, it spent nearly a year on various other charts and significantly increased Bennett's exposure. The song won Grammy Awards and became Bennett's signature song.
1962: Tony Bennett's Grammy Win
In 1962, Tony Bennett won his first Grammy Awards, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1962: Recording of Signature Song
In 1962, Tony Bennett recorded his signature song, 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco,' which became one of his most iconic tracks.
1962: First Top-10 Album: I Left My Heart in San Francisco
In 1962, Tony Bennett released his first top-10 album, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, marking the beginning of a remarkable career in the music industry.
1963: Release of I Wanna Be Around...
In 1963, Tony Bennett released the album I Wanna Be Around..., which was a top-5 success. The title track and 'The Good Life' each reached the top 20 of the pop singles chart and the top 10 of the Adult Contemporary chart.
1965: Separation from Patricia Beech
In 1965, Tony Bennett and his wife Patricia Beech separated due to Bennett's extensive time spent on the road and other factors.
1965: Began Relationship with Sandra Grant
In 1965, Tony Bennett began a relationship with aspiring actress Sandra Grant while filming The Oscar.
1965: Selma to Montgomery marches
In 1965, Tony Bennett participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches and performed at the 'Stars for Freedom' rally before Martin Luther King's 'How Long, Not Long' speech. He was driven to the airport by Viola Liuzzo, who was murdered later that day by the Ku Klux Klan.
1965: Last top-40 single
In 1965, Tony Bennett's last top-40 single, 'If I Ruled the World,' was released. However, his commercial fortunes were starting to decline.
1966: Role in The Oscar
In 1966, Tony Bennett attempted to break into acting with a role in the film The Oscar, which received middling reviews. Bennett did not enjoy the experience and did not seek further roles.
1968: Career Hiatus in Singles Charting
In 1968, Tony Bennett experienced a hiatus in charting singles, with none of his songs making the charts between 1968 and 2010.
1969: Patricia Beech Filed for Divorce
In 1969, Patricia Beech filed for divorce from Tony Bennett on grounds of adultery.
1970: Birth of Daughter Joanna
In 1970, Tony Bennett and Sandra Grant welcomed their first daughter, Joanna.
1970: Release of Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today!
In 1970, Tony Bennett released Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today!, an album featuring covers of contemporary rock songs. Bennett was reluctant to record the album, and it was not well-received.
December 29, 1971: Marriage to Sandra Grant
On December 29, 1971, Tony Bennett married aspiring actress Sandra Grant in New York.
1971: Official Divorce from Patricia Beech
In 1971, Tony Bennett and Patricia Beech's divorce was finalized.
1972: Departure from Columbia Records
In 1972, Tony Bennett left Columbia Records for the Verve division of MGM Records and relocated to London. He hosted a television show from the Talk of the Town nightclub, but found no renewed commercial success.
1974: Birth of Daughter Antonia
In 1974, Tony Bennett and Sandra Grant had their second daughter, Antonia.
1975: Release of The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album
In 1975, Tony Bennett released The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album, a collaboration with jazz pianist Bill Evans. The album was well-regarded.
1976: Release of Together Again
In 1976, Tony Bennett and Bill Evans released the album Together Again, continuing their successful collaboration.
1977: Improv goes out of business
In 1977, Tony Bennett's record company, Improv, went out of business due to a lack of a distribution arrangement with a major label.
1979: Near-fatal cocaine overdose
In 1979, Tony Bennett experienced a near-fatal cocaine overdose. He called his sons for help, expressing his feeling of being lost and the perception that people did not want to hear his music.
1983: Divorce from Sandra Grant
In 1983, Tony Bennett and Sandra Grant's marriage ended in divorce.
1986: Re-signing with Columbia Records
In 1986, Tony Bennett was re-signed to Columbia Records with creative control. He released The Art of Excellence, his first album to reach the charts since 1972.
1986: Oscar nomination for Life in a Looking Glass
In 1986, the theme song 'Life in a Looking Glass' from the film That's Life, sung by Tony Bennett, received a nomination at the Oscars for Best Original Song.
1990: Release of Astoria: Portrait of the Artist
In 1990, Tony Bennett released the acclaimed album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was a look-back on his career and life.
1992: Perfectly Frank Album Release
In 1992, Tony Bennett released Perfectly Frank, a themed album paying homage to Frank Sinatra. The album achieved gold status and won a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.
1993: Steppin' Out Album Release
Tony Bennett released the album Steppin' Out in 1993 as a tribute to Fred Astaire. The album achieved gold status and won a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.
1993: Tony Bennett's Appeal to Younger Audiences
In 1993, Tony Bennett played a series of benefit concerts organized by alternative rock radio stations around the country. The strategy aimed to introduce Bennett's music to younger audiences, which proved successful as they found the Great American Songbook songs fresh and different.
1994: MTV Unplugged Appearance
In 1994, Tony Bennett appeared on MTV Unplugged, featuring guests like Elvis Costello and k.d. lang. The resultant album went platinum and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
1996: Publication of Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen
In 1996, many of Tony Bennett's artworks were published in the art book Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen.
1997: Induction into Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame
In 1997, Tony Bennett was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame, marking a significant recognition in his music career.
1998: Glastonbury Festival Performance and Autobiography Release
In 1998, Tony Bennett performed at the Glastonbury Festival in an immaculate suit and tie, singing songs about the weather. His autobiography, The Good Life, was also published in the same year.
1999: Financial Prosperity and Continued Performances
By 1999, Tony Bennett's assets were worth $15 to $20 million. He continued to record and tour, playing a hundred shows a year. He also performed without a microphone to showcase his vocal projection, and starred in the PBS special Tony Bennett's Wonderful World: Live From San Francisco.
2001: Opening of Bennett Studios
In 2001, Dae Bennett, Tony Bennett's son and a recording engineer, opened Bennett Studios in Englewood, New Jersey. The studio was later shuttered due to financial difficulties.
2001: Founding of Exploring the Arts and Frank Sinatra School of the Arts
In 2001, Tony Bennett and Susan Crow founded Exploring the Arts, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting arts education. They also established the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, a public high school focused on performing arts.
2001: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2001, Tony Bennett received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring contributions to the music industry.
2001: Chosen as the official artist for the 2001 Kentucky Derby
In 2001, Tony Bennett was chosen as the official artist for the Kentucky Derby. He also completed two paintings for the United Nations, including one to commemorate its fiftieth anniversary.
2001: I Left My Heart in San Francisco ranked 23rd
In 2001, Tony Bennett's song 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' was ranked 23rd on an RIAA/NEA list of the most historically significant Songs of the 20th Century.
April 2002: Fundraiser for Democratic National Committee
In April 2002, Tony Bennett joined Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker, and former President Bill Clinton at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at New York City's Apollo Theater.
2002: Ralph Sharon's retirement
In 2002, Tony Bennett's longtime pianist and musical director, Ralph Sharon, retired. Bennett had reunited with Sharon in the 1980s, and Sharon remained with him until his retirement.
2002: ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2002, Tony Bennett received a lifetime achievement award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
December 4, 2005: Kennedy Center Honor
On December 4, 2005, Tony Bennett was honored with a Kennedy Center Honor, recognizing his lifetime contributions to American culture.
December 2005: Tony Bennett's Conversation with George W. Bush
In December 2005, Tony Bennett claimed that former President George W. Bush told him at the Kennedy Center that he regretted invading Iraq. This account was later disputed by a Bush spokesperson.
August 3, 2006: Tony Bennett's 80th Birthday Celebrations
On August 3, 2006, Tony Bennett celebrated his 80th birthday with various events, including the release of the album Duets: An American Classic, which reached his highest chart position and won a Grammy. He also received the Billboard Century Award and the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award.
June 21, 2007: Marriage to Crow
On June 21, 2007, Tony Bennett married Crow in a private civil ceremony in New York, witnessed by former New York governor Mario Cuomo.
2007: Release of Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music
In 2007, Tony Bennett released another art book, Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music, which became a bestseller among art books.
2008: Performances with Billy Joel and Album Release
In 2008, Tony Bennett performed 'New York State of Mind' with Billy Joel at Shea Stadium’s final concerts and released the album A Swingin' Christmas with The Count Basie Big Band.
2009: Macworld Performance and Jazz Fest Debut
In 2009, Tony Bennett performed at the final Macworld Conference & Expo for Apple Inc. and made his debut at the New Orleans Jazz Fest.
February 2010: We Are the World 25 for Haiti
In February 2010, Tony Bennett participated in the charity single 'We Are the World 25 for Haiti' to aid the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
2010: Release of Albums and Singles
By 2010, Tony Bennett had released over 70 albums, with several going platinum and gold in the U.S. His biggest hits occurred in the early 1950s.
2010: Interview Regarding Music Choices
In 2010, Tony Bennett reiterated his artistic stance in an interview, discussing his choices in music.
September 2011: Tony Bennett's Controversial Remarks on The Howard Stern Show
In September 2011, Tony Bennett appeared on The Howard Stern Show and attributed American military actions in the Middle East as the root cause of the September 11 attacks. Bennett later clarified his stance, condemning terrorism and emphasizing his pacifist beliefs formed by his life experiences. His comments and the ensuing controversy highlighted his strong views against violence and war.
September 2011: Release of Duets II and Billboard Success
In September 2011, Tony Bennett released Duets II, featuring collaborations with artists like Aretha Franklin and Lady Gaga. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making Bennett the oldest living artist to achieve that milestone.
November 2011: Release of Tony Bennett – The Complete Collection
In November 2011, Columbia released Tony Bennett – The Complete Collection, a 73-CD plus 3-DVD set that included many previously unreleased albums and rarities.
December 2011: Performance at the Royal Variety Performance
In December 2011, Tony Bennett performed at the Royal Variety Performance in Salford in the presence of Princess Anne.
February 2012: Tony Bennett Calls for Drug Legalization
In February 2012, following the deaths of Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston, Tony Bennett advocated for the legalization of drugs.
October 2012: Release of Viva Duets
In October 2012, Tony Bennett released Viva Duets, an album featuring Latin American music collaborations with artists like Vicente Fernández and Juan Luis Guerra.
October 31, 2012: Performance at San Francisco Giants' World Series Victory
On October 31, 2012, Tony Bennett performed 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' in front of over 100,000 fans at a City Hall ceremony celebrating the San Francisco Giants' 2012 World Series win.
September 2014: First Performance in Israel and Release of Cheek to Cheek
In September 2014, Tony Bennett performed for the first time in Israel and released the collaborative album Cheek to Cheek with Lady Gaga. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts, making Bennett the oldest artist to achieve this, earning a Guinness World Record.
October 2014: Release of Cheek to Cheek Live!
In October 2014, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga released the concert special Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek Live!, and began their Cheek to Cheek Tour.
2014: Collaboration with Lady Gaga
In 2014, Tony Bennett collaborated with Lady Gaga on the album 'Cheek to Cheek,' attracting renewed acclaim and touring together to promote it throughout 2014 and 2015.
September 25, 2015: Release of The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern
On September 25, 2015, Tony Bennett released The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, featuring Bill Charlap on piano.
November 1, 2015: Performance at World Series Game 5
On November 1, 2015, Tony Bennett, accompanied by the Frank Sinatra School choir, performed 'America the Beautiful' before Game 5 of the World Series.
August 19, 2016: Unveiling of Tony Bennett Statue
On August 19, 2016, an 8-foot tall statue of Tony Bennett was unveiled in front of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco in honor of his 90th birthday. The event included a performance by a choir singing 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco'.
December 20, 2016: Televised Concert Special: Tony Bennett Celebrates 90
On December 20, 2016, NBC aired a special concert, Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come, honoring his 90th birthday.
2016: Alzheimer's Diagnosis
In 2016, Tony Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Despite this, he continued his career actively until the pandemic in early 2020.
2016: Diagnosis with Alzheimer's Disease
In 2016, Tony Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Despite this, he continued to perform and record music for several more years.
September 2018: Guinness World Record for Re-Recording 'Fascinating Rhythm'
In September 2018, Tony Bennett re-recorded 'Fascinating Rhythm', earning a Guinness World Record for the longest time between the release of an original recording and its re-recording by the same artist.
2018: Recording Tracks with Lady Gaga
From 2018 until early 2020, Tony Bennett recorded tracks with Lady Gaga for their 2021 album Love for Sale, despite experiencing moments of being "lost and bewildered" during the sessions.
2020: Paused Performances Due to COVID-19
In early 2020, Tony Bennett paused his performances and recordings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 2021: Revelation of Alzheimer's Diagnosis
In February 2021, Tony Bennett revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, yet continued to record, tour, and perform until his retirement later that year.
February 2021: Revealed Alzheimer's Diagnosis
In February 2021, an article in AARP Magazine revealed that Tony Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Despite the diagnosis, he continued to perform and record until the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
August 12, 2021: Announcement of Tony Bennett's Retirement
On August 12, 2021, Tony Bennett's retirement from concerts was announced, citing his physical frailty despite his continued vocal abilities. The announcement came nine days after his 95th birthday.
August 2021: Announced Retirement
In August 2021, Tony Bennett's retirement was announced. His son Danny stated that Alzheimer's mainly affected his father's short-term memory, though Tony could still remember all the lyrics to his repertoire during performances.
September 30, 2021: Release of Final Album: Love for Sale
On September 30, 2021, Tony Bennett released his final album, Love for Sale, a collaboration with Lady Gaga. The album received favorable reviews and debuted at number eight in the U.S., breaking records for the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 and the oldest person to release an album of new material.
November 28, 2021: Television Special: One Last Time with Lady Gaga
On November 28, 2021, CBS aired One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, featuring performances from Bennett's final concerts.
December 16, 2021: Final Televised Performance on MTV Unplugged
On December 16, 2021, Tony Bennett's last televised performance aired on MTV Unplugged, featuring duets with Lady Gaga from their album Love for Sale.
2021: Release of 'Love for Sale'
In 2021, Tony Bennett released 'Love for Sale' with Lady Gaga, breaking the individual record for the longest run of a top-10 album on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist.
2022: Tony Bennett Continues to Rehearse Despite Retirement
In 2022, despite his retirement from performing live, Tony Bennett continued to rehearse with his music director three times a week, demonstrating his enduring dedication to his craft.
July 21, 2023: Death of Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett passed away on July 21, 2023. He was an acclaimed American jazz and traditional pop singer with a career spanning several decades.
September 2023: Upcoming Documentary: The Lady and the Legend
In September 2023, a documentary titled The Lady and the Legend, featuring footage from the making of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga's two collaborative albums, is scheduled to be released on Paramount+.