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.
Emily
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Has the murmuring sound of may
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
And the laughter of children at play
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
And we fade to a marvelous view
Two lovers alone and out of sight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
(and we fade to a marvelous view)
Two lovers alone and out of sight
Seeing images in the firelight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
Too
The song "Emily" by Tony Bennett is a romantic ballad that captures the essence of the beauty of life with a person you love. The song starts by introducing the name Emily and compares it to the murmuring sound of May which is the season of new beginnings, growth, and beauty. The use of alliteration is prominent in the first line and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second line consists of a string of images that are associated with happiness and joy. Silver bells, coral shells, carousels, and the laughter of children at play create a sound and visual picture of innocence, playfulness, and tenderness.
In the second verse, the singer utters Emily's name, and the scene moves to a magnificent view of two lovers, who are inseparable and out of sight. The warmth of the firelight conjures images of a family, and the singer's gaze is fixed on Emily, who represents love, belonging, and a hopeful future. The last line, "Too," serves as an emotional exclamation of the beauty of love and the longing to hold onto those moments forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Emily, Emily, Emily
Tony sings the name 'Emily' three times to highlight its significance and beauty.
Has the murmuring sound of may
Emily evokes the gentle sound of May, a month of new beginnings and life.
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
Emily represents all things bright and joyous, such as silver bells, coral shells, and carousels.
And the laughter of children at play
Emily brings the sound of children's laughter and play, representing carefree and joyful moments.
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
Tony invites the listener to repeat Emily's name, emphasizing her importance.
And we fade to a marvelous view
As Emily's name is repeated, the listener's perspective shifts to a beautiful and enchanting world.
Two lovers alone and out of sight
In this magical world, two lovers find solitude and intimacy.
Seeing images in the firelight
They look into the fire and see images that ignite their imagination and passion.
As my eyes visualize a family
The artist envisions a happy family and future that includes Emily.
They see Emily, Emily
The lovers also see Emily in their visions, perhaps as a future partner or family member.
Too
The song ends abruptly, leaving the listener to ponder on the significance of Emily and the magical world she inhabits.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ricky Ross, Scott Fraser, Pete Webb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Brewer
Tony Bennett’s first big hit, “Because of You,”was released in 1951, the year I was born. So it shouldn’t be surprising to know that, for me, Tony was always there during all of my growing up years and ending just recently with his recent passing.
My mother and father, too, loved the music of Tony Bennett. So many of his songs were favorites of theirs. One song in particular suddenly stands out for me, however.
“Emily”
Tony record it in 1965. It was composed by the great Johnny Mandel, who also wrote this glorious arrangement of it for Tony.
My mother’s name was Emmalu (1929-2018). My father sometimes called her “Emily Jane” in honor of her paternal grandmother, Emily Jane Shaw, who died in 1918 as a result of the flu epidemic that occurred at that time. Still, somehow her presence has remained with us, though we never met her.
This great song, “Emily,” composed by Johnny Mandel, with sublime lyrics by Johnny Mercer, was special to my parents. They are both gone now, but hearing Tony Bennett song this song brings them back to me.
This is Art Song. It doesn’t get better than this.
Emily
Jim Brown
Johnny Mandel wrote this lovely melody for "The Americanization of Emily" and it grabbed me when I heard it in a theater. Johnny Mercer did his usual magic with the lyric. "Emily" was a favorite of two of the most lyrical players around, Paul Desmond and pianist Bill Evans, and both played it at every gig for the last decades of their lives. I like Tony's reading of the lyric.
spactick
This and Stan Getz's and Bill Evans version of this song are the absolute classics of this beautiful song.
Louis Philippe
Tony Bennett's voice, the warm fire amidst a cold wintry night
Coreen Kindred
One of my all time favorites of yours Mr. Bennett 🥰
R. Carlson
Tony Bennett left us today…
RIP Tony Bennett.
May this song still be heard in 100 years…
Julia Hamilton
Lovee his music!🤩
Dr. B. THINKIN
100 years from now, someone will be listening to this. 💓🎶
Daisy Johnson
Awesome
Cynthia Husband
Such achingly beautiful lyrics, the orchestration is breathtaking , the arrangement absolutely beautiful and the singer, best in the business (no disrespect to “the “Mr Frank Sinatra) but everytime I hear this song I’m just blown away....., so hauntingly beautiful , Mr Bennett is outstanding in his phrasing , holding the notes where they need to be held , a masterpiece , the day this was recorded somewhere in the early ‘70’s I would say all the stars were in alignment to produce such a hauntingly “absolute” beautiful song that will be heard thru the ages; and if you think of the movie the “Americanization of Emily “it all comes down to sheer perfection.
samuel prather
My favorite version. Dance among the stars Mr. Bennett