Tony Bennett has died at age 96. The Associated Press reports:
Tony Bennett, the eminent and timeless stylist whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” graced a decadeslong career that brought him admirers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, died Friday. He was 96, just two weeks short of his birthday.
Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed Bennett’s death to The Associated Press, saying he died in his hometown of New York. There was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.
The last of the great saloon singers of the mid-20th century, Bennett often said his lifelong ambition was to create “a hit catalog rather than hit records.” He released more than 70 albums, bringing him 19 competitive Grammys — all but two after he reached his 60s — and enjoyed deep and lasting affection from fans and fellow artists.
Though Tony’s voice never went out of style, the legend who has been winning Grammys since the ’60s maintained relevance and gained younger fans through the years via collaborations with stars like k.d. lang (in the ’90s & early-’00s), Christina Aguilera (2008), Amy Winehouse (2012), and most recently Lady Gaga who he released a Grammy-winning album with and performed with at venues and on TV in 2021 until he finally retired from touring. Rest in peace, Tony..