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.
With Plenty of Money and You
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With plenty of money and you.
In spite of the worry that money brings.
Just a little filthy looker buys a lot of things.
And I could take you to places that you would like to go.
But outside of that, I've no use for dough.
It's the root of all evil,
But I'm certain, honey, that life would be sunny
With plenty of money and you.
It's the root of all evil,
Of strife and upheaval.
But I'm certain, honey, that life would be sunny
With plenty of money and you
The song "With Plenty of Money and You" by Tony Bennett is a playful and slightly cynical take on the idea that money can bring happiness. The lyrics suggest that while money can buy material things that are enjoyable, it also causes worry and strife. The singer acknowledges that having money can open up opportunities to go to places the listener would like to go, but they insist that outside of that, they have no real use for it. The second verse of the song goes on to call money the root of all evil and the cause of strife and upheaval.
Overall, the song seems to be poking fun at the idea that money is the key to happiness. The singer suggests that while having money might make things easier, it is not a guarantee of a happy life. Instead, they insist that life would be sunny with the person they love by their side, regardless of how much money they have.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, baby, what I couldn't do
Oh darling, the things we could accomplish
With plenty of money and you.
If only we had the resources and each other
In spite of the worry that money brings.
Even though wealth can cause anxiety
Just a little filthy looker buys a lot of things.
Even a small amount of wealth can buy many material possessions
And I could take you to places that you would like to go.
We could travel to destinations of your choice
But outside of that, I've no use for dough.
However, money has little value outside of experiences and material possessions
It's the root of all evil,
Money has been the cause of countless problems
Of strife and upheaval.
Leading to conflicts and disruptions
But I'm certain, honey, that life would be sunny
Despite this, I believe life would be much happier
With plenty of money and you.
If only we had the resources and each other
It's the root of all evil,
Money has been the cause of countless problems
Of strife and upheaval.
Leading to conflicts and disruptions
But I'm certain, honey, that life would be sunny
Despite this, I believe life would be much happier
With plenty of money and you.
If only we had the resources and each other
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Al Dubin, Harry Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jasminne McDonald
I have never heard Tony Bennett hit those high notes before. That guy must have some strong pipes.
Blackie Wallace
Saw Tony live a few years ago. He still has IT!!
1billwill
Yes Superb what vocals this boy can sing He/s Great Thank you.
SonDogg’65
This band just thunders right out of the gate! Count Basie will swing you 'til you bleed.
patriciobsas278
Basie was the perfect balance between rythm and melody.
Valenspire
I really like this version
Bintang Haryo
Saving this for my future trip to Vegas
MagicknightrayearthHope
Feels so good!
James Cadena
VEGAS BABY!!!! VEGAS!!!!!!!!!
Coach Vino's Progress Bar
Can’t hear this song with thinking of Swingers!! Favorite movie ever! 🥃🎰