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.
The Pawnbroker
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Line by Line Meaning ↴
One heart, an empty shell
Perhaps I'll stop in some pawnbrokers shop
And see what he might pay for second hand hearts today
Or old dreams I'll never use
Love songs I'd love to lose
Such worthless things
What scale could measure them
Since you're gone I wear you on this heart
How could I pawn this heart that still loves you?
One heart to trade or sell
I feel like I have a heart that I could easily give away or sell
One heart, an empty shell
My heart feels empty and I'm willing to part with it
Perhaps I'll stop in some pawnbrokers shop
I might visit a pawn shop and explore my options
And see what he might pay for second hand hearts today
I'm curious to know how much a pawnbroker would pay for a used heart
Or old dreams I'll never use
There are dreams I've had but will never achieve, and I'm considering selling them too
Love songs I'd love to lose
I have some love songs that remind me of things I'd rather forget, and I'm willing to part with them
Such worthless things
To me, these things have become worthless
What scale could measure them
It's impossible to put a value on these things
What other fool could be a fool like me and treasure them
Who else would be foolish enough to hold onto these things like I have?
Since you're gone I wear you on this heart
You're no longer with me, but you still hold a special place in my heart
How could I pawn this heart that still loves you?
I can't offer up this heart that still loves you, no matter how much I might want to let go of everything else
Contributed by Kaelyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.