25 Comments

Nice piece. I photographed Tony Bennett for my friend Whitney Balliett at the Place des Arts in Montreal in the 70´s. It was for a book that became Alec Wilder and His Friends. During the intermission I was summoned to Bennett’s dressing room where he told that his shirt was showing through his tuxedo and no photographs could show this. I’m afraid I ignored him

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He led a long and gifted life it but a great loss none the less. Not many originals left who still sing the American songbook. Attended a disappointing Diana Krall show Le Festival International de Jazz this year and lamented Bennett’s steady hand on her performances thereof... Another great bit of writing Paul. Remember fondly the work we did together bringing jazz to ears of Montréalais back in the day.

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Paul, your tribute to Tony Bennett brought tears and reminded me how much a part of my life his music and performances were. His last tv special with Lady Gaga showed that even in the depths of dementia his talent was still there! Thanks!

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Thank you for this.

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I really enjoyed this piece of writing --would like to get more articles rellating to the arts.

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Thanks Paul. Nice tribute. Tony also did a duet with Rob Thomas I believe(though that may have been Carlos Santana) and Amy Winehouse. I didn't know that about Diana Krall. What a life of kindness he must have lived.

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What a wonderful singer he was, I listen to him and love rehearing the same songs, there is elegance and beauty in his voice.

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I greatly admire your versatility.

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Thank you for this wonderful tribute, Paul.

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I don’t remember the exact quote, but Charlie Chaplin told his biographer that as we age the world slows down, allowing us to see the beauty around us.

Tony Bennett exemplified that, continuing to amaze us with performances of the American catalog long after his peers died off or retired.

The beauty of it all.

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Thanks SO much for this.

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In May, 2015, he finished a Coastal Jazz concert with Lady Gaga in the Orpheum with an a cappella solo. At its end the room was silent, for a moment. Then a joyous explosion of cheers. He was extraordinary.

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Wow. Thank you. I have to hear more of this.

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Wonderful tribute. That he liked a guitarist with the subtlety of Jim Hall says so much.

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THANKS PAUL !!!!!!

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