Tony Bennett, U.S. Musical Icon, Dies At 96

Tony Bennett, the eminent and timeless stylist whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” graced a decades-long career that brought him admirers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, died Friday.

Photo Insert: Bennett was 96, just two weeks short of his birthday.

He was 96, just two weeks short of his birthday.

Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed Bennett’s death to Charles J. Gans of the Associated Press (AP), saying he died in his hometown of New York. There was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

The last of the great saloon singers of the mid-20th century, Bennett often said his lifelong ambition was to create “a hit catalog rather than hit records.”

He released more than 70 albums, bringing him 19 competitive Grammys — all but two after he reached his 60s — and enjoyed deep and lasting affection from fans and fellow artists.

Bennett’s friendship with Black musicians and his disgust at the racial prejudice he encountered in the Army led him to become an active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement.

He answered Harry Belafonte’s call to join Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march and perform for the protesters.

After a near-fatal drug overdose in 1979, Tony Bennett turned to his son, Danny, who eventually signed on as his manager.

Bennett kicked his drug habit and got his finances in order, moved back to New York, and resumed doing more than 200 shows a year. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Johanna and Antonia, sons Danny and Dae, and nine grandchildren.

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