The world is in mourning as the iconic singer, Tony Bennett, known for his 70-year career and 19 Grammy wins, passed away at the age of 96.
Tony Bennett, the renowned chart-topping singer, who had an illustrious musical journey spanning nearly seven decades, breathed his last at 96. The sad news was confirmed by his longtime publicist Sylvia Weiner to The Associated Press on July 21. At this time, specific details regarding the cause of his death remain unknown. However, it is known that Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease back in 2016.
Born in Queens, New York, in 1926, Tony Bennett had his life shaped by the U.S. Army when he was drafted in 1944. After serving, he returned to the U.S. in 1946 and embarked on a remarkable musical career. His journey began as an opening act for singer Pearl Bailey in 1949.
Tony Bennett's career skyrocketed with his hit "Because of You" in 1951, and from there, he continued to achieve remarkable success, releasing over 70 albums throughout his lifetime.
The legendary artist's achievements extended beyond his Grammy accolades, as he also earned two Primetime Emmy Awards, one in 1996 and another in 2007, for his outstanding performances. In 1956, he even hosted his own Saturday-night television variety show on NBC, titled The Tony Bennett Show.
Collaborating with a myriad of notable artists over the years, such as Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, and more recently, Lady Gaga, Bennett's musical legacy reached far and wide.
In February 2021, Bennett's family disclosed that he had been battling Alzheimer's disease for several years. Despite his condition, he continued to perform, and his last televised appearance was alongside Lady Gaga for MTV Unplugged in December 2021.
The world has lost a true musical legend, but his extraordinary contributions to the world of music will forever be cherished and remembered by fans around the globe.
