One of the all-time great singers of his or any other generations died on Friday morning.
Tony Bennett was 96 years old. Per The Associated Press, “There was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.”
The singer had so much power packed into his voice, particularly when he hit high notes at the end of songs. That unmistakable vibrato was all over everything he did, and he continued to reach new fans when he paired up with modern artists like Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga, duetting with American Songbook tunes.
Here are his 10 best recordings, in no particular order:
MORE TONY BENNETT:
- 5 beautiful moments with Lady Gaga
- Watch him sing beautifully without a mic in huge venues late in his career
- Watch his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance from 1995
1
I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Obviously an all-timer of a hit, but not the only thing he should be remembered for.
2
Rags to Riches
Goodfellas fans will remember this one, but it’s SO GOOD. Especially when he gets to the end and hits those notes. Goosebumps, every time.
3
Body and Soul (with Amy Winehouse)
Late-career Tony Bennett never lost a step. And this rendition shows what he could do with a ballad. Pairing with artists like the late Winehouse was also beautiful.
4
I Wanna Be Around
My goodness, he nails the scathing lyrics.
5
The Best is Yet to Come
Frank Sinatra is known for this standard, but Bennett’s rendition is just as good.
6
New York State of Mind
Billy Joel’s song became a standard in its own right, and Bennett’s interpretation might be my favorite beyond the original. This video — post 9/11, as you can see, in 2001 — is must-watch.
7
'S Wonderful (with Diana Krall)
Charming, simple, gorgeous.
8
Blue Velvet
I love his interpretation.
9
My Foolish Heart (with Bill Evans)
What a pairing — an all-time legend like Evans with Bennett.
10
The Lady is a Tramp (with Lady Gaga)
An absolute delight.
