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.
I Love The Winter Weather
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So the two of us can get together
There's nothing sweeter, finer
When it's nice and cold I can hold my baby closer to me
And collect the kisses that are due me
I love the winter weather
Because I've got my love to keep me warm
Just watch those icicles form
What do I care if icicles form?
I've got my love to keep me warm
Off with my overcoat, off with my glove
I need no overcoat, I'm burning with love
I love the winter weather
So the two of us can get together
There's nothing sweeter, finer
When it's nice and cold I can hold my baby closer to me
And collect the kisses that are due me
I love the winter weather
'Cause I've got my love to keep me
Got my love to keep me
Got my love to keep me warm
In "I Love The Winter Weather," Tony Bennett describes his love for the cold winter months. He feels that the chilly weather creates a perfect opportunity for him to spend time with his loved one. He revels in being close to his partner, holding them tighter, and collecting their kisses. The singer is deeply in love and the winter season provides a perfect backdrop for this romance to blossom. He dismisses the harshness of the weather in the second verse, asserting that he doesn't care about the icicles because his love for his partner keeps him warm.
Throughout the song, the repetitive chorus, "I love the winter weather because I've got my love to keep me warm," reinforces the central theme of the song beautifully. The song's lyrics and melody poetically express the joy and ease of being in love during the wintertime. This song reminds us of the warmth of love that can melt even the coldest of winters.
Line by Line Meaning
I love the winter weather
I thoroughly enjoy the cold weather of winter
So the two of us can get together
Winter weather provides a prime opportunity for intimacy and closeness between two people
There's nothing sweeter, finer
There is nothing more delightful than winter weather for romantic encounters
When it's nice and cold I can hold my baby closer to me
Lower winter temperatures give me and my beloved an excuse to be closer physically
And collect the kisses that are due me
Winter weather elicits more physical affection, such as kisses, from my significant other
I love the winter weather
I am expressing my deep fondness for the winter season's climate
Because I've got my love to keep me warm
I am content during the winter season because I have the love of my life to keep me feeling warm and safe
What do I care if icicles form?
I am unbothered by the formation of icicles
Off with my overcoat, off with my glove
I no longer have a need for the protective layers of clothing such as overcoats and gloves
I need no overcoat, I'm burning with love
My love for my partner keeps me warm and comfortable, even in cold weather conditions
Got my love to keep me
I am thankful for the love of my life that keeps me comforted, especially through seasonal changes like winter weather
Got my love to keep me warm
The love I share with my partner sustains me through winter season's cold weather.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ticker Freeman, Walter Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind