The world is mourning the loss of an iconic figure in the music industry, Tony Bennett, who has passed away at the age of 96.
His death has been reported by multiple outlets including BBC News.
This legendary singer, revered for his performances with stars ranging from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, has left an indelible mark on pop and jazz music. Throughout his illustrious career, Bennett sold millions of records globally and received 20 Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement honor.
Bennett, celebrated as one of America's last great crooners, released his first album back in 1952 when he was just in his mid-20s. His timeless appeal and unique talent ensured his place on the US charts in every subsequent decade of his life.
In 2016, Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a fact he publicly disclosed five years later. Yet, his unwavering positivity was evident in a rephrased version of one of his famous quotes that he posted on his social media accounts: "Life is a gift - even with Alzheimer's."
Despite his health challenges, Bennett continued to grace the stage and delivered his final performances in 2021 alongside Lady Gaga, proving his passion and commitment to his craft until the very end.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late icon, with actor George Takei writing: "The great Tony Bennett has passed away at the age of 96. He was the last of his kind, a master of the American songbook. He may have left his Heart in San Francisco, but he won all of our hearts, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. Be at peace, and sing to us now from the stars, Tony."
Mayor of New York City Eric Adams tweeted: "A working class kid from Queens, Tony Bennett sang our song to the world. Don't let the lyrics fool you – he left is heart right here in New York City. May he rest in peace."
Musician Paul Young shared a photo of Tony, writing: "Ahhh, RIP Tony Bennett, truly one of the greats. The first album I had was Tony Bennett sings 10 Rodgers and Hart songs, from when my record company in 1976 let me do a ‘bank raid’ of their vinyl stock and I was a fan from there on in. An incredible singer live, saw him many times."
