Tony Bennett, the legendary crooner of American music standards, has passed away at the age of 96, leaving a profound impact on the music world and the city he loved so much, San Francisco, according to AP News. Bennett’s illustrious career spanned seven decades, during which he left an indelible mark on the music world with his signature style and grace.
Bennett’s devotion to American song led to the creation of new standards, including his most famous song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” which won him two Grammy Awards and became the city’s unofficial anthem. The passionate singer’s connection to the city was eternal, and his contributions to its art and culture left a lasting impression, evoking mixed feelings in San Francisco on the day of his death.
Born in Astoria, Queens, the man once named Anthony Dominick Benedetto became the last of the great saloon singers of the mid-20th century. As he navigated the ever-changing musical landscape, Bennett has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, collaborating with musicians of diverse generations and backgrounds.
Bennett went beyond the traditional pop and jazz worlds and engaged in collaborations with contemporary artists such as Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and Carrie Underwood. His dedication to bringing the Great American Songbook to new audiences led to several successful albums and proved that old and new can effortlessly coexist and thrive together.
San Francisco holds a special place in Tony Bennett’s heart, symbolized by the statue of Bennett unveiled in 2016 at the Fairmont Hotel, where he first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in 1961. Through the decades, Bennett continued his tradition of loving the city and, at the age of 90, returned to perform and celebrate in his honor. Today, San Francisco mourns the loss of the voice that so perfectly captured the essence of the city.
Following news of his death, Breed, Mayor of San Francisco London, expressed the city’s gratitude for Bennett’s contributions, stating, “Tony Bennett has provided us with a song, a spirit and a magic that is connected to the history of this city and those who we are is connected.” Breed added that Bennett’s affinity for San Francisco “will stay with us forever.”
From the day he sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at the Fairmont Hotel, Tony Bennett has embodied the love for this city shared by all San Franciscans throughout the decades since. Today we honor his memory and celebrate his legacy that will stay with us forever. pic.twitter.com/lHzO1O9LN9
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) July 21, 2023
Even the famous Fog of San Francisco paid tribute to Bennett. Popular Twitter account @KarlTheFog mourned Bennett’s death, saying: “💔 RIP Tony Bennett. Thank you for the city anthem. Our golden sun shines for you today.”
As the sun sets on the life of a legend, the people of San Francisco and beyond will forever cherish the memories and tunes Tony Bennett gave us. May his golden voice continue to reverberate through the hills of his favorite city, reminding us all of the magic and spirit that bound them so beautifully.
