Top 10 Tony Bennett Famous Songs You Need to Hear Now
Tony bennett famous songs, With over seven decades in the music industry, Tony Bennett is truly a legend in his own right. From his early days as a struggling jazz singer to becoming one of the most celebrated and influential artists of all time, Bennett’s career has been nothing short of remarkable.
With his smooth, velvety voice and timeless charm, he has captured the hearts of millions around the world. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the top 10 famous songs by Tony Bennett that you need to hear now.
Introduction to Tony bennett famous songs
Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, in Queens, New York, Tony Bennett grew up with a love for music. He started singing at an early age and was inspired by icons such as Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole.
However, his big break came in 1949 when he was discovered by Bob Hope and was signed to Columbia Records, where he released his first hit single “Because of You.” From then on, Bennett became a household name and went on to sell over 50 million records worldwide.
Top 10 Most Famous Songs by Tony Bennett
- “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” – This iconic song is considered to be Bennett’s signature tune and has become synonymous with the city of San Francisco. It was released in 1962 and won two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Solo Vocal Performance, Male.
- “The Way You Look Tonight” – This classic love song won Bennett his first Grammy Award for Best Solo Vocal Performance, Male in 1963. It has been covered by numerous artists and is a staple in Bennett’s live performances.
Fun Fact: Did you know that “The Way You Look Tonight” was initially written for the movie “Swing Time” but was almost cut from the film because it was deemed too slow?
- “Fly Me to the Moon” – This song has become one of Bennett’s most recognizable songs and has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and advertisements. It was released in 1965 and is often referred to as the unofficial anthem for NASA’s Apollo missions.
- “Stranger in Paradise” – Originally a theme from the Broadway musical “Kismet,” Bennett’s version of this song became a top ten hit in 1954 and solidified his place in the music industry.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Bennett’s version of “Stranger in Paradise” was used as the theme song for the popular TV show “Hollywood Squares” in the 1960s?
- “Steppin’ Out with My Baby” – This upbeat, jazzy tune was released in 1948 and remains one of Bennett’s most beloved songs. It has been covered by artists like Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé and was featured in the movie “Analyze This.”
- “Rags to Riches” – This song was released in 1953 and became Bennett’s first number one hit. It tells the story of a person who goes from poverty to wealth and was inspired by Bennett’s own life growing up in a struggling immigrant family.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Bennett’s version of “Rags to Riches” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999?
- “The Good Life” – This song was released in 1962 and is another one of Bennett’s signature songs. It has been covered by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin.
- “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” – Released in 1964, this song was originally written for the Broadway musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd” but became a hit for Bennett. It was also featured in the movie “The Joker is Wild.”
Fun Fact: Did you know that “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” was re-recorded by Bennett and Lady Gaga in 2014 for their collaborative album “Cheek to Cheek”?
- “For Once in My Life” – This song was released in 1967 and has become one of Bennett’s most covered and acclaimed songs. It was also featured in the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring Will Smith.
- “I Wanna Be Around” – Released in 1962, this song showcases Bennett’s smooth vocals and has become a fan favorite. It was featured in the movie “Goodfellas” and has been covered by artists like Lena Horne and Barbra Streisand.
The Early Years of Tony Bennett’s Career
Tony Bennett’s career began in the late 1940s when he was discovered by Bob Hope. He signed with Columbia Records and released his first hit single, “Because of You,” in 1951. Throughout the ’50s, he continued to release successful singles and albums, including “Blue Velvet,” “Rags to Riches,” and “Stranger in Paradise.” By the early ’60s, Bennett had solidified himself as a top-selling artist with hits such as “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “The Good Life.”
However, in the late ’60s, Bennett experienced a decline in his popularity due to the rise of rock and roll music. He even briefly retired from performing to study acting, but he returned to music in the mid-’70s with a new record label and a newfound appreciation for jazz music. This led to a resurgence in his career, and he continued to release successful albums and tour extensively throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
Tony Bennett’s Musical Style and Influences
Tony Bennett’s musical style is often described as jazz, traditional pop, and easy listening. His smooth and velvety vocals have become his trademark and have earned him comparisons to iconic crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. However, Bennett has also been known to experiment with different genres, including rock, blues, and Latin music.
Bennett’s influences range from the great American songbook to jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. He has also cited Italian operatic tenor Enrico Caruso as a significant influence on his singing style.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Throughout his career, Tony Bennett has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as an artist. In 2011, he released the album “Duets II,” featuring collaborations with artists such as Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, and John Mayer. The album won Bennett his 17th Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
One of Bennett’s most famous collaborations was with the late Amy Winehouse on the song “Body and Soul.” It was her final recording before her untimely death and was released posthumously. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2012.
Grammy Wins and Nominations for Tony Bennett
With an impressive career spanning over seven decades, it’s no surprise that Tony Bennett has amassed a vast collection of Grammy Awards and nominations. In total, he has won 18 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. He has also been nominated for a total of 40 Grammy Awards throughout his career.
Some of his most notable Grammy wins include:
- Best Solo Vocal Performance, Male for “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” (1963)
- Record of the Year for “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” (1963)
- Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90” (2018)
- Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for “Duets II” (2012)
- Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for “MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett” (1995)
Tony Bennett’s Impact on the Music Industry
Tony Bennett’s influence on the music industry is immense, and his contributions have made him one of the most respected and beloved artists of all time. His smooth and effortless singing style has inspired countless singers and musicians, and his music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Bennett’s lasting impact can also be seen through his numerous awards and accolades, including being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the ASCAP Foundation Jazz Wall of Fame. He has also been honored by institutions such as The Kennedy Center Honors, The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, and the United Nations Humanitarian Award.
Iconic Performances by Tony Bennett
Throughout his career, Tony Bennett has delivered countless memorable performances that have solidified his place as a musical legend. Here are some of his most iconic live performances:
- “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at the 1962 Grammy Awards – This performance solidified the song’s place as Bennett’s signature tune and won him two Grammy Awards.
- “Fly Me to the Moon” at the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon Landing Celebration – Bennett serenaded astronaut Neil Armstrong with this song during the historic moon landing event.
- “Body and Soul” with Amy Winehouse at Abbey Road Studios – This was Winehouse’s final recording before her death and resulted in an emotional and unforgettable performance.
- “The Way You Look Tonight” at the 1995 MTV Unplugged Concert – Bennett’s intimate and soulful performance of this classic love song earned him a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
- “The Lady is a Tramp” with Lady Gaga at the 2011 Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 Concert – This dynamic duet showcased the unlikely pairing of two generations of music icons and was a highlight of the concert.
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Personal Life and Legacy of Tony Bennett
In addition to his successful music career, Tony Bennett has also had a fulfilling personal life. He has been married three times and has four children. He has also been an active philanthropist, supporting various causes such as education, the arts, and social justice issues.
Bennett’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to live on in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. His timeless music and unwavering passion for his craft have left an indelible mark on the music industry, making him one of the most celebrated and influential artists of all time.
Conclusion: The Timeless Music of Tony Bennett
In conclusion, Tony Bennett’s music has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences around the world. From his signature tune “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” to his iconic collaborations with other artists, Bennett’s music has become a staple in the American songbook.
His smooth vocals, charming personality, and undeniable talent have made him a musical legend, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come. So, if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and listen to these top 10 famous songs by Tony Bennett – you won’t be disappointed.
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