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.
God
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is my philosophy
To see me through the day
To scare my cares away
All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
All God's Chillun got swing
Maybe haven't got money
All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
For to push away the blues
Yeah !
All God's Chillun got trouble
Trouble don't mean a thing
When they start to go ho ho ho de ho
Troubles bound to go 'way, say!
All God's Chillun Got Swing.
The Tony Bennett song "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" speaks about a philosophy that is meant to help the singer get through the day and alleviate their worries. The philosophy centers around the idea that all people regardless of their wealth, status or possessions are born with rhythm and swing. The term 'Chillun' is used to refer to people of all ages, suggesting that this philosophy is applicable to everyone.
The song suggests that having rhythm and swing can help one overcome their troubles and push away their blues. The lyrics emphasize that even those who may not have much in terms of material possessions or wealth, still possess something that is inherently valuable - rhythm. The repetition of "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" and "All God's Chillun Got Swing" creates a catchy chorus that underscores the song's central message of hope and optimism.
Overall, this song speaks to the human spirit and our inherent capacity for joy and rhythm, regardless of our life circumstances. It is a song that encourages listeners to tap into this spirit and find joy in the everyday moments of life and to not let our troubles weigh us down.
Line by Line Meaning
Chillun', listen here to me
Hey kids, pay attention to what I'm saying
This is my philosophy
I have a certain way of looking at things
To see me through the day
So I can make it through the day
To scare my cares away
To help me forget my worries
All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
Everyone has a natural sense of rhythm
All God's Chillun got swing
Everyone has a unique style and personality
Maybe haven't got money
Maybe they don't have much money
Maybe haven't got shoes
Maybe they don't even have shoes
All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
But they still have rhythm and energy
For to push away the blues
To overcome sadness
Yeah !
Absolutely!
All God's Chillun got trouble
Everyone has problems
Trouble don't mean a thing
Problems can be overcome
When they start to go ho ho ho de ho
When they start to sing and dance
Troubles bound to go 'way, say!
Problems are sure to disappear
All God's Chillun Got Swing.
People have a natural ability to be unique and creative
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Thomas "Fats" Waller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@FredPickett
2 of the best R.I.P. Ms. Billy/and Tony/You 2 are singing in Heaven.
@RODNEYCSLANGENFRANCE
BILLIE HOLIDAY AND TONY BENNETT !!!!!
@kathyguinto4585
Tony Bennett had such a great voice,and was very popular and well liked,was a very charismatic person.And ended up with Alzheimers,so sad,and now he's gone off to join his parents in heaven and sing with the angels.There will never be another Anthony Benedetto,he was an original!.Riposa in pace Antonio,God love you!.John M Guinto
@peterholwill1170
Lady Day remains unique and I normally do not enjoy other singers performing songs associated wirth her, but Tony does a great job here
@williamj.crofts41
Oh so poignant and lovely.... To Tony Bennett's everlasting credit as a gentleman.... A great appreciation of both their talents... And the dear wonderful Miss Billie Holiday.... I think she would have appreciated this remarkable gesture thank you!!!!!
@jag6183
Now, they are both singing this in Heaven.
@solovoyager
Simply sublime!
@SakeemaDaniels-nn4jy
RIHP In Heavenly Peace; Emperor & Empress of Jazz!!
@hallson2917
Rest in Peace Tony... and Billie ofc 💗💗💗💗💗
@d18dlf
So beautiful, in so many ways so truthful. She died with so much to offer.
R.I.P
Ms . Holliday