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.
When Joanna Loved Me
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But yesterday, oh, what I'd give for yesterday
To relive one yesterday and its happiness
When Joanna loved me
Every town was Paris
Every day was Sunday
Every month was May
When Joanna loved me
Every sound was music
Music made of laughter
Laughter that was bright and gay
But when Joanna left me
May became December
But, even in December, I remember
Her touch, her smile, and for a little while
She loves me
And once again it's Paris
Paris on a Sunday
And the month is May
The song "When Joanna Loved Me" by Tony Bennett is an emotional ballad that explores the themes of nostalgia and lost love. The lyrics begin by reflecting on the past, and the singer expresses a desire to relive a previous time when they were happy. The lyrics "When Joanna loved me, every town was Paris, every day was Sunday, every month was May" create an image of a time when the singer felt loved and carefree. The use of metaphorical language such as "every town was Paris" creates a dreamy sense of nostalgia, suggesting that the memory of their relationship is almost idyllic.
However, the tone of the song shifts when the singer acknowledges that Joanna has left. The lyrics, "May became December" suggest that the change they experienced was drastic and that time has moved on without them. Despite this, the singer cannot forget their time with Joanna, and they hold onto the memory of her touch and smile. The line "And once again, it's Paris" suggests that the memories of their time together are so vivid that they can transport the singer back to that time, back to a time when they were loved.
Line by Line Meaning
Today is just another day, tomorrow is a guess
Today holds no special significance while tomorrow is uncertain.
But yesterday, oh, what I'd give for yesterday
The past memories are much more valuable than the present.
To relive one yesterday and its happiness
To experience once again a happy moment from the past.
When Joanna loved me
During the period of time when Joanna was in love with the singer.
Every town was Paris
The world was perceived as the most romantic city.
Every day was Sunday
Every day was peaceful, relaxed and joyful like Sundays.
Every month was May
All the days were full of warmth, sunshine, and flowers like the month of May.
Every sound was music
Everything that was heard was melodious and pleasing to the ears.
Music made of laughter
The sound of joy and happiness was like a beautiful piece of music.
Laughter that was bright and gay
The laughter was full of cheerfulness, brightness and delight.
But when Joanna left me
After Joanna had ended her relationship with the singer.
May became December
The world became colder, darker and less joyful just like winter in December.
But, even in December, I remember
Despite the change in the world, the singer still has memories of Joanna and their time together.
Her touch, her smile, and for a little while
The singer reminisces and longs for the physical connection and happiness he had with Joanna.
She loves me
The singer is reflecting on how Joanna once loved him deeply.
And once again it's Paris
In his memories, the world is transformed into the beautiful and romantic Paris again.
Paris on a Sunday
The world is once again peaceful, beautiful, and perfect like Sundays in Paris.
And the month is May
The world is full of sunlight, happiness, and lively energy just like in the month of May.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBERT WELLS, JACK SEGAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Barbara Fiorenzo
We named our daughter Joanna her father loved this song she lived 5 days so heart warming hearing this beautiful song💛
Judy Prebell
♥️♥️♥️
Barbara Rudy
RIP Tony. You were a one-of-a-kind talent and true gentleman. This was my favorite song of his.
Rob L
He makes it look so effortless. Even before the big finish -"And the month is May..." - he hardly seems to take a breath. Yet he sustains those long powerful notes. Amazing.
Martha Rocha
Tony Bennett eterno!👏👏👏
Lynn E
What a storyteller. Impeccable.
Thank you so much, Tony. RIP 🙏
Joanna Edwards
He has been on my mind these last few days.....now I know why. He may have left The Earth but this man and his songs live on in our hearts.
My name is Jo-Anna and I was born in May.❤
murp h
This is I think his best version of this great song. He is indeed a magnificent vocalist. He has blessed us with great music for many years.
JOHN Fulton
My favorite song by this vocal genius
Sandy Waterman
Me, too!