TONY BENNETT
Opens up about overcoming tough times early in his legendary career.
THE LEGENDARY CROONER OPENS UP ABOUT THE ROCKY START TO HIS AMAZING CAREER “Life abounds with lessons, if we’re lucky enough to be alert for them.” — Tony
It takes a village to create a living legend — just ask Tony Bennett. In his new memoir, Tony Bennett: Just Getting Started, the 90-year-old icon pays tribute to the people who have touched his heart and influenced his career. Think of it as the ultimate love song, says Tony: “It’s about some of the lives that have made mine the blessing it has been to me.”
At the top of that list? His Italian-born father, John Benedetto, who passed away from congestive heart failure when Tony was just 10 years old — but left an indelible impression. After his dad’s death, Tony was sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Pyrites, a small town in upstate New York, and music became his refuge. “Singing gave me joy,” he recalls. “It reminded me of my father, the man I so admired, and the stories I had heard about him singing before his sickness weakened his lungs.” Sadly, Tony’s uncle wouldn’t stand for the warbling around the house — he even kicked a chair out from under the young boy at one point — so Tony took to performing at school, where his talent was embraced. “It’s where I first saw that I could entertain strangers,” he says.
STILL GOING STRONG
And how. Now beginning his 10th decade, the crooner — happily wed to his third wife, Susan Crow, since 2007 — is as busy as ever. He’ll be appearing in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and on Dec. 20, NBC will air a two-hour concert celebration of his latest milestone birthday, featuring famous admirers, such as Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel and Lady Gaga. Says the guest of honor: “My dream is to get better and better as I get older.” Mission accomplished.
— Ingela Ratledge