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.
Tenderly
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The evening breeze caressed the trees tenderly
The trembling trees embraced the breeze tenderly
Then you and I came wandering by and lost in a sigh were we
The shore was kissed by sea and mist tenderly
I can't forget how two hearts met breathlessly
You took my lips, you took my love so tenderly
The shore was kissed by sea and mist tenderly
I can't forget how two hearts met breathlessly
Your arms opened wide and closed me inside
You took my lips, you took my love so tenderly
In "Tenderly," Tony Bennett depicts a scene where nature itself seems to be in love. He describes how the evening breeze gently touches and moves the trees, and the trees respond by embracing it tenderly. The two lovers happen to come by and get lost in their sighs. The shore is kissed by the sea and mist softly, while the lovers' hearts met breathlessly. The person narrating the song is entranced by their lover's tender touch when they hold them in their arms.
The first verse talks about how the individual's love was taken so tenderly by their romantic partner. The second verse compares the lovers' embrace to the tender touch of nature, where even the sea and mist kiss the shore softly. The bridge says how the person narrating the song cannot forget the moment when their two hearts met and the intense emotions they felt. In the final verse, the individual narrating reiterates how their lips were taken, and their love was accepted so sincerely by their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
You took my lips, you took my love so tenderly
You kissed me and loved me with such gentleness and care
The evening breeze caressed the trees tenderly
The wind gently touched and comforted the trees
The trembling trees embraced the breeze tenderly
The trees, moved by the wind, hugged it back with tenderness
Then you and I came wandering by and lost in a sigh were we
When we met, we got so caught up in the moment that we both let out a deep breath
The shore was kissed by sea and mist tenderly
The sea and fog gently touched and kissed the shore
I can't forget how two hearts met breathlessly
I will always remember the moment our hearts connected so powerfully
Your arms opened wide and closed me inside
You embraced me with open arms and held me close
You took my lips, you took my love so tenderly
You kissed me and loved me with such gentleness and care
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jack Lawrence, Walter Gross
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind