Sir Paul McCartney has spoken about the “privilege” he felt working with Tony Bennett, who has passed away at the age of 96. The legendary singer, best known for his classic hit “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,” died in his home city of New York on Friday. Tributes have been pouring in from the music industry and beyond, including from musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Mariah Carey, and McCartney himself, as well as US president Joe Biden and former American leader Barack Obama.
In an Instagram post, McCartney wrote, “Very sad to hear that Tony Bennett has died. He was a special singer and a good friend. I was privileged to work with him on a few occasions and he was always a wonder to behold. Thanks Tony for the joy you brought to our world. Love Paul.” This is a testament to the special bond between the two musicians, and the impact that Bennett’s music had on others.
Tony Bennett was more than just a great singer; he was a wonderful showman who brought joy to millions of people around the world. Emily Eavis, co-organiser of Glastonbury festival, recalled how Bennett played an incredible set at the event in 1998, despite the wet and muddy conditions. She praised his impeccable dressing and his gracious and charming stage presence. Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke also paid tribute to Bennett, saying that it was an “honour” to see him perform on the BBC celebrity competition show.
Sir Paul McCartney (Via Sir Paul McCartney/Twitter)
Tony Bennett worked with many other legendary musicians, including Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. He collaborated with Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga on his album Duets II, which topped the charts. Bennett was also known for his humanitarian work, having liberated prisoners in a subcamp of Dachau concentration camp during World War II. He subsequently became a life-long pacifist and joined the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery.
Throughout his career, Bennett released more than 70 albums, winning numerous Grammys. He broke his own record as the oldest living performer with a number one album on the US Billboard 200 chart for his duet project with Lady Gaga titled Cheek To Cheek. Bennett retired from performing in 2021 after revealing he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016.
In his final years, Bennett continued to perform selflessly, despite his diagnosis. Emma Heming Willis, whose husband Bruce has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), praised Bennett for “shining a bright light on this disease”. She noted that his continued performing was a reminder that people with cognitive challenges should be given the room to flourish.
Tony Bennett is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett, and nine grandchildren. The outpouring of tributes and condolences from the music industry and beyond is a testament to the impact that Bennett had on the world.
