During their last performance together in 2021 Lady Ga Ga and Tony Bennett performed live and sang their hit “Cheek to Cheek” from the album “Love is for sale” the San Francisco Giants play Bennett’s “I left my heart in San Francisco” recording following all Giants home wins at Oracle Park. The Giants no doubt will pay tribute to Bennett on Tues Jul 25, 2023 when they host the Oakland A’s in San Francisco. (AARP file photo)
By Barbara Mason and Mary Anne
Friday the music world lost a legendary genius. The iconic crooner Tony Bennett passed away in New York City at the age of 96, two weeks shy of his 97th birthday. Bennett work, recorded and performed for eight decades, even having a number one album at the age of 85.
During their last performance together in 2021, Lady GaGa and Tony Bennett performed live and sang their hit “Cheek to Cheek” from their hit album “Love is for Sale”. That song that topped the charts in 2014 was met with thunderous applause.
Little did we know that we would never see him perform live again. The San Francisco Giants have played Bennett’s “I Left my heart in San Francisco” at home game for decades. The Giants will no doubt pay tribute to the iconic singer at their next home game next Tuesday night when they host the Oakland A’s.
Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 never letting that stop him. He continued to work, record and perform until 2021. Respected throughout the entertainment business, legend Frank Sinatra called him “the greatest singer in the world.” The San Francisco Giants had adopted his song “I left my heart in San Francisco” as their signature song after home wins. That song will no doubt carry so much more than celebrating a home win now. It will become an unforgettable memory that fans and players will forever carry in their hearts.
From 1949 through the 1950’s, Bennett was the top recording artist but was challenged when rock n roll and Motown enveloped the music scene. The iconic nature of Tony Bennett reemerged in the 1990’s in part due to Danny Bennett his son/manager who revived his singing career. Bennett joined forces with singing superstars such as Amy Winehouse and Diana Krall producing a duet record called “Body and Soul”. The record was met with enormous accolades becoming a hit in 2011. The two tracks that he did with Lady GaGa pushed this album through the roof becoming a YouTube sensation.
San Francisco holds a special place for Tony Bennett in their hearts. The Fairmont Hotel displays a statue of the singer in their gardens as a tribute to what he means to the city by the bay. This is a heartbreaking loss for not only the world of entertainment but also the millions and millions of fans that have followed Tony throughout his career.
We can take solace in knowing that we will forever have the iconic songs that he left us enjoying not only the smooth, lilting power of this man’s extraordinary voice but also respecting the amazing legacy that he left.
Barbara Mason and Mary Anne are MLB beat writers for http://www.sportsradioservice.com
Sports Radio Service 