Some sad news has hit the entertainment world.
Tony Bennett Via Instagram (Photo Credit: Marion Curtis)
On Friday, July 21st, it was reported that legendary singer Tony Bennett had passed away.
CNN shared that Bennett’s death was reported by his publicist. He passed away at the age of 96. Bennett’s career spanned 80 years. Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, he later changed his name (at the suggestion of Bob Hope) to Tony Bennett. Bennett performed as a singing waiter in New York at the age of 15 and then went on to sing in all kinds of venues, win 19 Grammy Awards (and a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy), and even have a cameo on The Simpsons.
Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 though the public was largely unaware of his health issues since he continued to perform.
Tony Bennett Via Instagram (Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur)
In the Disney world, Bennett may be known by fans for his performance of The Bare Necessities, which you can listen to below. Walt Disney himself also had an influence on Bennett that many might not necessarily know about.
According to CNN, in a 2004 interview, Bennett said that he felt he appealed to generations of fans because he didn’t change his tune. Bennett noted that he had modeled himself after “old masters” like Walt Disney and others. Bennett shared, “They played to the whole family…and so, if they hit, everybody bought it.”
Bennett also appeared on Muppets Tonight and in Muppets Most Wanted. Bennett is survived by his wife (Susan Benedetto), his sons, his daughters, and 9 grandkids.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and all those mourning his loss.
©Tony Bennett
Stay tuned for more news.
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My home is in South Florida. My late husband, our son and I used to visit WDW at least two weekends each year between November and February. Longer periods if we could manage it, but that was the most pleasant time of year for us in terms of weather, particularly temperature and humidity. All the rest of the working year, excluding vacations, I would play a certain, specific combination of music CD’s at my desk all day Friday to put me in mind of WDW even if I wasn’t going that weekend. The first was always “Mariachi Cobre”, the self-titled album by the mariachi band associated with the Mexican pavilion on the World Showcase in EPCOT Center. Not the band they have now, although they’re certainly good, but the original band who was there until approximately 2015. The second CD was a greatest hits album by Tony Bennett. The cover photo must have been from the 1950’s. I know we’ll all miss Tony Bennett. Well, I know I will, and for the rest of my life. Dear God, thank You for the gift of Tony Bennett. Amen.