Tony Bennett was one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th and 21st centuries. With a career spanning over 70 years, he sold over 50 million records worldwide and won 20 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree.

Bennett was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens, New York, in 1926. He began singing at an early age and studied music at the High School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan. After serving in the Army during World War II, he began his professional singing career in the early 1950s.

Bennett's early recordings were in the traditional pop style, but he soon began to explore other genres, including jazz, blues, and folk. He was one of the first singers to successfully blend these genres, and his unique vocal style helped to define the sound of American popular music in the mid-20th century.

Bennett's career continued to flourish throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and he remained a popular performer into the 21st century. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, and Paul McCartney. He also continued to record new albums, including his 2011 album "Duets II," which featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.

Bennett was a beloved figure in the music industry, and his death in 2023 was mourned by fans around the world. He was a true American icon, and his music will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.