Tony Bennett Dead At 96

Tony Bennett has died at the age of 96. The master vocalist's publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed the heartbreaking news to The Associated Press, revealing that he died in his hometown of New York. No cause of death has been revealed, but the musical icon was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Tony's professional career spanned more than seven decades, and he released more than 70 albums. Before his death he claimed his lifelong ambition was to create "a hit catalog rather than hit records." The "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" singer had more than 19 Grammy Award wins and 41 nominations. In recent year's he developed a friendship with Lady Gaga and the pair often performed together. "Bennett’s unparalleled career history began when he signed with Columbia Records in 1950 and has spanned over 70 years. His last public concert performances were held at Radio City Music Hall on August 3rd and 5th, in celebration of his 95th birthday. Lady Gaga, Bennett’s long-time and most frequent musical collaborator in the last ten years joined Bennett for the sold-out performances. Bennett had his first #1 single in 1951 with “Because of You” and made music industry history by being the oldest performer, twice, to have a #1 album on the Billboard Top 200 Albums at the age of 85 and 88," Sylvia said in a statement. "He has received 20 Grammy awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, two Emmy Awards, was named a Kennedy Center Honoree, a Gershwin Prize Honoree and a NEA Jazz Master during his career. He won his last Grammy Award for the collaborative album with Lady Gaga, “LOVE FOR SALE,” which was released in 2021." Tony is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae, his daughters Johanna and Antonia and 9 grandchildren.