WWTBAM Bored

Tony Bennett, Master Pop Vocalist, Dies at 96

Tony Bennett, the master pop vocalist who had a professional career spanning eight decades with a No. 1 album at age 85, died on Friday morning in New York City. He was 96.

Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, but had continued to perform and record through 2021.

His peer Frank Sinatra called him the greatest popular singer in the world. His recordings – most of them made for Columbia Records, which signed him in 1950 – were characterized by ebullience, immense warmth, vocal clarity and emotional openness. A gifted and technically accomplished interpreter of the Great American Songbook, he may be best known for his signature 1962 hit “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”

https://variety.com/2023/music/news/ton ... 235676390/

This one is very personal for me. Tony Bennett was one of Mrs. SSS's favorite singers, dating from well before the time she and he were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. One of our favorite outings was to see Tony Bennett at a local amphitheater about 12 years ago. His opening act was the child opera singer Jackie Evancho, and she came back during his performance to sing a duet of When You Wish Upon a Star.

When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he continued to perform, and that was a source of comfort and inspiration for my wife. He could still remember all his songs and musical cues, and his voice was very good for a man in his 90s. I remember his final TV special, which was a performance with Lady Gaga (who was clearly shaken emotionally throughout). Bennett's memory of a lot of things was fading by then, but his stage presence remained. When I discussed this with Mrs. SSS's counselor, she told me that dementia patients who have set routines for performing various tasks, even quite complicated ones, often retain the ability to do so long into their illness, even when the reasoning ability and memory are gone. Seeing Bennett on TV that last time was very moving for both of us.

RIP, Tony. My wife and I appreciate your talent and courage.

Darn. I really liked him, as did so many others.