Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known professionally as Tony Bennett, was an iconic American jazz and traditional pop singer born on August 3, 1926, in Astoria, Queens, New York. He passed away on July 21, 2023, in New York City. Bennett's career spanned over eight decades, during which he became renowned for his smooth voice and interpretive abilities, making him one of the greatest vocal stylists in jazz and popular music.

Bennett's early life was marked by hardship, growing up during the Great Depression and losing his father at a young age. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later utilized the G.I. Bill to study singing at the American Theatre Wing. His career breakthrough came in 1949 when he was discovered by Pearl Bailey and later by Bob Hope, who suggested the stage name Tony Bennett.

In 1951, Bennett released his first hit single, "Because of You," followed by other chart-toppers such as "Cold, Cold Heart" and "Rags to Riches." His signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," was released in 1962. Despite a decline in popularity during the rock era, Bennett experienced a resurgence in the 1990s, appealing to a new generation through appearances on shows like MTV Unplugged.

Bennett collaborated with numerous artists, including Lady Gaga, with whom he released the successful album "Cheek to Cheek" in 2014. He continued to release acclaimed work into his later years, breaking records as the oldest artist to release a new album.

Throughout his career, Bennett received numerous accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was also honored as a National Endowments for the Arts Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. In addition to his music, Bennett was a talented painter and philanthropist, founding the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and the non-profit Exploring the Arts.

Tony Bennett's legacy endures through his timeless music and contributions to the arts, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.