Tony Bennett: legendary American big band and jazz singer dies aged 96

Legendary jazz singer Tony Bennett has died aged 96.

Bennett's cause of death has not yet been revealed. In 2021, it was announced that the singer had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease five years earlier.

He continued to tour and perform into his later years before retiring due to his illness. His last performance was on 5 August 2021 at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Bennett's stellar career spanned more than seven decades, selling more than 50 million records worldwide and picking up 20 Grammy Awards for his work. His biggest hits include 'I Left My Heart In San Francisco' and 'The Way You Look Tonight', the later of which was a cover of a 1936 Fred Astaire hit.

He was introduced to a younger audience through his highly-successful collaborations with pop star Lady Gaga beginning in the 2010s. The pair shared a close friendship while performing and recording the 2014 album 'Cheek to Cheek' and the 2021 album 'Love for Sale'.

Tributes have poured in from the world of music for Bennett. Musician Nile Rogers said: "My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett's family and friends. They're also my emotional family and friends."

Eric Adams, mayor of Bennett's hometown New York City, tweeted: "A working class kid from Queens, Tony Bennett sang our song to the world. Don't let the lyrics fool you – he left is heart right here in New York City. May he rest in peace."

More to follow.