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.
Nancy
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gee what a thrill, each time I kiss her
Believe me, I've got a case
On Nancy with the laughing face
She takes the winter and makes it summer
Summer could take some lessons from her
Picture a tomboy in lace
Have you ever heard mission bells ringing
Well, she'll give you the very same glow
When she speaks you would think it was singing
Just hear her say hello
I swear to goodness, you can't resist her
Sorry for you, she has no sister
No angel could replace
Nancy with the laughing face
Keep Betty Grable, Lamour and Turner
She makes my heart a charcoal burner
No angel could replace
My Nancy with the laughing face
The lyrics of Tony Bennett's song Nancy are a poignant expression of the singer's deep love and admiration for a woman named Nancy with a contagious laughter that he fell in love with. He admits to having a significant attraction to her and feeling thrilled every time he kisses her, and his feelings for her are so strong he feels like he has a "case" on her. The singer further praises Nancy for her ability to bring joy into his life by taking the winter and making it summer, and how she has a captivating speaking voice that sounds like a song. He also confesses that he is unable to resist her, and there is no one like her; Betty Grable, Lamour, and Turner do not compare to her.
The song's lyrics capture the essence of a love that is pure, unconditional, and deeply felt, evoking a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the person in question. The song speaks to how love can make the everyday extraordinary, and how simple things like a laugh can bring so much happiness into someone's life. The chorus of the song, "Nancy with the laughing face," is a testament to how much Tony Bennett loves the woman, and how much he appreciates her for who she is.
Line by Line Meaning
If I don't see her each day, I miss her
My love for Nancy runs so deep that when I don't see her every day, I feel incomplete.
Gee what a thrill, each time I kiss her
The anticipation leading up to every kiss is just as exciting and thrilling as the actual moment I kiss her.
Believe me, I've got a case
It's not just infatuation, I have a strong and genuine attachment to Nancy.
On Nancy with the laughing face
All of these emotions and feelings I'm experiencing are because of the wonderful Nancy with her infectious, joyous laughter.
She takes the winter and makes it summer
No matter how dark and cold things may seem, Nancy's presence brightens and warms up everything around her.
Summer could take some lessons from her
Even the season everyone loves could learn a little something about radiating warmth and happiness from Nancy.
Picture a tomboy in lace
Nancy is a beautiful blend of fun and feminine, combining the delicate with the playful.
That's Nancy with the laughing face
All of these qualities and more are what make Nancy so special with that bright, beautiful smile always on her face.
Have you ever heard mission bells ringing
The same beautiful sound one hears from mission bells can be heard in Nancy's voice when she speaks.
Well, she'll give you the very same glow
Talking to Nancy is as wonderful as hearing music with the same uplifting power to make a person feel good.
When she speaks you would think it was singing
Nancy's voice is an enchanting melody, every sound and word from her lips feels like notes from a song.
Just hear her say hello
Even the simplest greeting from Nancy can brighten and uplift someone's day.
I swear to goodness, you can't resist her
It's impossible not to be enchanted by Nancy's beauty and radiance, anyone would be lucky to be around her.
Sorry for you, she has no sister
Unfortunately for anyone else, there is no one else like Nancy with her unique and splendid personality.
Keep Betty Grable, Lamour and Turner
Despite how famous and beloved other actresses may be, they have nothing on Nancy, she is in a category all on her own.
She makes my heart a charcoal burner
The intense passion and desire Nancy inspires in me is enough to ignite a fire within my soul.
No angel could replace
No matter what or who else may come my way, there will never be another Nancy with her one-of-a-kind spirit and essence.
My Nancy with the laughing face
All of these words and feelings are dedicated to my love, Nancy, whose laughter brings a smile to my heart and soul.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, PHIL SILVERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind