Legendary Singer Tony Bennett Passes Away at 96

Iconic singer Tony Bennett passed away Friday at the age of 96. Bennett was just two weeks away from his 97th birthday.

Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, Tony was known by his stage name Tony Bennett. He began singing at a young age and amassed many accolades including a Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honoree, he was also named NEA Jazz Master and won 20 Grammy Awards.

Bennett fought in the last part of World War II after this he signed with Columbia Records. Bennett had his first number-one with “Because of You” in 1951.

The song Bennett is most known for was “I left my heart in San Francisco”. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 and continued to tour until 2021 when he announced his retirement but continued to rehearse with his music director three times a week.

Ozzy Osbourne and many others remembered Bennett and paid homage to him on Twitter:

“Very sad to hear about Tony Bennett’s passing. Rest in Peace”

“Legend! RIP Tony Bennett”

“What a performance of America the Beautiful during the 1998 World Series. RIP to the legendary Tony Bennett.”

“Smile if you had a life like Tony Bennett. He just kept getting better with age. Here he is at one of his last performances at age 94. His popularity was hit a new high while he was in his 60’s on MTV Unplugged. Heaven just got the best swooner ever!”

“Sesame Workshop mourns the passing of Tony Bennett, who brought joy and music to millions of people around the world. Mr. Bennett joined us on Sesame Street in 1998 to turn a classic of his into a new favorite of ours.”

“Rest in peace, Tony Bennett.”

“May you Rest in Peace, Tony Bennett! Photo from 2015”