Tony Bennett; legendary crooner who collaborated with Lady Gaga has died aged 96

The legendary singer faced a fight with Alzheimer's disease after his 2016 diagnosis

People in this article

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Tony Bennett, the legendary pop and jazz singer, has passed away at the age of 96, his publicist, Sylvia Weiner, announced

Renowned for his enchanting collaborations with artists spanning from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, Bennett left an indelible mark on the music world. His immense talent and artistry translated into millions of records sold worldwide and an astounding 20 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious lifetime achievement award, throughout his illustrious career.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As one of America's last great crooners, Bennett's musical journey began with the release of his debut album in 1952, when he was in his mid-20s. He then continued to grace the charts in the United States, leaving an enduring impact on every subsequent decade of his life. He won his first two Grammy Awards, for “San Francisco,” in 1963, and his last, for the album “Love for Sale,” with Lady Gaga, in 2022. In total, Bennett earned 20 Grammy Awards including a lifetime achievement award in 2001.

However, in 2016, he received a devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and five years later, he decided to share his struggle with the public.

Throughout his battle, Bennett displayed incredible positivity, exemplified in a poignant reworking of one of his famous quotes: "Life is a gift - even with Alzheimer's."

In 2021, he performed his final shows, a poignant moment shared alongside Lady Gaga, who had been a cherished collaborator and friend.

This is a breaking news article - more information to follow.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.