The incomparable music legend singer Tony Bennett has passed away at age 96.
More often than not, we at Disney Fanatic have reported on some of the most magical and wondrous happenings at the Disney Parks, however, there are times when we share tragic news, and today we are the bearers of difficult tidings. The world grieves the loss of eminent and timeless musician Tony Bennett, who has passed away.
Celebrating Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett—Anthony Dominick Benedetto—is a household name. His devotion to classic American songs is legendary, and his renditions of some of the most iconic songs, including “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,”—which won him not just one Grammy award, but two, for best male solo performance and record of the year—has made him one of the most prominent American singers of all time. Legends like Frank Sinatra and Lady Gaga were known fans of his—think of Lady Gaga’s duet with Mr. Bennett in the song The Lady is a Tramp (from Duets II: The Great Performances) that made waves.
Lady Gaga has previously stated that her friendship with Tony Bennett saved her and her career. “The fact that Tony sees me as a natural-born jazz singer is still something that I haven’t gotten over,” she told AARP.
As the New York Times reported, “Bennett devoted himself to preserving the classic American popular song, as written by Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and others.” He followed the path of legends before him, like Louis Armstrong, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra, and carried their legacy forward.
Tony Bennett Passes Away at Age 96
As reported by AP News, the music legend died on Friday, July 21, 2023. His publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed his death, though no exact cause was reported. Mr. Bennett had been suffering from Alzheimer’s since 2016 and passed away just two weeks short of his birthday.
Mr. Bennett stated previously that his lifelong ambition was to create “a hit catalog rather than hit records.” He released 70 albums throughout his life, and he won 19 Grammys, 17 of which he earned after the age of 60. He was well-loved by his fans and fellow artists as well.
Music legend Tony Bennett has died, the @AP is reporting. He was 96. pic.twitter.com/D4cAbCBFKd
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) July 21, 2023
Tony Bennett and Disney
Mr. Bennett has also made his mark in the world of Disney. He made a guest appearance on Muppets Tonight, and also appeared as himself in Muppets Most Wanted during the song “We’re Doing a Sequel”. He was also so widely known and appreciated that he was mentioned and recalled in different movies, including The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, and Turning Red.
https://twitter.com/PlanforPixieD/status/1682368738094379009
Fans mourned the passing of the musician online, acknowledging his undeniable impact and presence in music through his decades-long career.
As Associated Press rightly shared,
Bennett appealed with an easy, courtly manner and an uncommonly rich and durable voice — “A tenor who sings like a baritone,” he called himself — that made him a master of caressing a ballad or brightening an up-tempo number.
Mr. Bennett’s work and legacy puts him up there with the greats like Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and more.
Here’s to celebrating this music legend and his incredible contribution to the American music scene.
