Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with "Because of You" in 1951. Several tracks such as "Rags to Riches" followed in early 1953. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". His career and personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era. Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV generation while keeping his musical style intact.
Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. He attracted acclaim for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, which began with the album Cheek to Cheek (2014); the two performers toured together to promote the album throughout 2014 and 2015. With the release of the duo's second album, Love for Sale (2021), Bennett broke the individual record for the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist; his first top-10 record was I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962. Bennett also broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days.
Bennett has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including 19 Grammy Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
In February 2021, it was revealed that Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Due to the slow progression of his illness, he continued to record, tour, and perform until his retirement from concert performances in August 2021 due to physical challenges.
Bennett died in New York City on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 96. His death was announced by his publicist.
Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
Tony Bennett Lyrics
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Pay no attention to what's said
Why one should tear the seam of anyone's dream
Is over my head
Do nothing till you hear from me
At least consider our romance
If you should take the word of others you've heard
True, I've been seen with someone new
But does that mean that I'm untrue?
While we're apart, the words in my heart
Reveal how I feel about you
Some kiss may cloud my memory
And other arms may hold a thrill
But please do nothing till you hear it from me
And you never will!
The lyrics of Tony Bennett's "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me" speak of a longing for a lover's trust and faithfulness. The singer begs his lover to pay no mind to the rumors and to not believe anything unless she hears it straight from him. He insists that he has not been untrue and that he loves her deeply. He admits that he has been seen with someone new, but he still holds her in his heart and his love for her has not faded. He reminds her that a kiss or a fling is fleeting and insignificant when compared to their love, and he assures her that she will never hear of anything unfaithful from him.
Line by Line Meaning
Do nothing till you hear from me
Wait for my call or message before taking any action
Pay no attention to what's said
Ignore any rumors or gossip you may hear
Why one should tear the seam of anyone's dream
I don't understand why anyone would want to ruin someone else's happiness
Is over my head
I don't have the answer to that question or problem
At least consider our romance
Please think about our relationship before making any judgments
If you should take the word of others you've heard
Don't believe what others say about me without hearing my side of the story
I haven't a chance
I stand no chance if you believe what others say about me
True, I've been seen with someone new
Yes, I have been seen with someone else
But does that mean that I'm untrue?
Does that automatically mean that I am unfaithful to you?
While we're apart, the words in my heart
Even though we are physically apart, I still have strong feelings for you
Reveal how I feel about you
My heart's true feelings are revealed through my words
Some kiss may cloud my memory
Perhaps I have shared a kiss with someone else, but it doesn't mean my memory of you is clouded
And other arms may hold a thrill
I may have held someone else in my arms, but it was just physical and not emotional
But please do nothing till you hear it from me
Please wait to hear the truth from me directly
And you never will!
I will always be honest with you, so you will never have to wait long to hear from me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, BOB RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind