Tony Bennett, the iconic jazz and traditional pop singer whose career spanned seven decades, passed away at 96. Bennett leaves an impressive legacy behind after selling over 50 million records, winning 20 Grammy Awards, and many other prestigious accolades.
Bennett died at his home in New York City on July 21, after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and his family confirmed his passing in an official statement: “Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, ‘Because of You,’ his first #1 hit. Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever.”
Bennett’s rise to prominence started when he dropped “Because of You” in 1951, and he went on to release 70 albums in the years to come. He endured many shifts in the music industry over the decades, staying loyal to his signature style, and gave us such hits as “Rags to Riches” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”.
Bennett retired from performing in 2021, with a final concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. His retirement came shortly after he revealed he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, but he kept making music after his diagnosis and found success with the collaborative album Love for Sale alongside Lady Gaga.
