By Dawoud Kringle
Writing tributes to recently deceased musicians is never easy. It is especially difficult when the deceased not only had hit records but created a hit catalog, released more than 70 albums, won 19 Grammys (most of which he won after he reached his 60s), enjoyed deep and lasting affection and respect from fans and fellow artists, and almost single handedly embodied an entire genre and musical tradition spanning three quarters of a century.
Copyright: © MARK SELIGER
Tony Bennett was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens, New York on Aug. 3, 1926, to Italian immigrant parents. He began singing as a child, and studied music and painting, at New York’s High School of Industrial Art. His vocal influences included Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Judy Garland.
