Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.Photo:Kevin Mazur/Getty
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Tony Bennetthas worked with the best of the best.
SinceBennett’s deathlast week, there’s been a renewed interest in the legendary performer’s extensive discography.
Thepop and jazz icondied on Friday aged 96 in his hometown of New York City. Hehad been living with Alzheimer’s disease since 2016.
Throughout his seven-decade-long career, Bennett earned 20 Grammys and collaborated with some of the most revered musicians in history, includingFrank SinatraandLady Gaga, releasing two entire albums of duets.
Look back at some of the crooner’s best collaborations here:
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“The Lady Is a Tramp” with Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga and Bennett had one of the sweetestfriendships in Hollywood. The duo met in 2011 after Gaga performed at the Robin Hood Foundation Gala in New York City, and their bond turned into a stunning musical partnership.
Gaga ended up collaborating on Bennett’sDuets IIalbum that same year, singing the classic, “The Lady Is a Tramp.” With the “Poker Face” singer in the mix, the cover was brimming with chemistry and theatrics.
“I Left My Heart in San Francisco” with Judy Garland
When Bennett joinedJudy Garlandfor a performance of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” onThe Judy Garland Showin 1963, the song was already a hit. But with Bennett and Garland teaming up on the track, the rawness in their vocals is palpable, and the sweeping symphony adds another layer of romanticism to the track.
“Body and Soul” with Amy Winehouse
There’s a sultriness that springs from Bennett’s duet withAmy Winehouse, “Body and Soul,” which was featured on the jazz legend’s 2011 albumDuets II: The Great Performances. The song was notably recorded just four months before Winehouse tragically died in July 2011 and happened to be her last-ever recording session.
Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse.Dave M. Benett/Getty
Bennett spoke of his admiration for Winehouse in a 2011 interview withEntertainment Weeklysaying, “What I love about Amy Winehouse is that, of all the singers since the Beatles, you automatically check everyone out who’s a lot younger, but there’s been such a big walk away from jazz.“
He continued, “Some people think that anyone could sing jazz, but they can’t. It’s a gift of learning how to syncopate but it’s also a spirit that you’re either born with or you’re not. And Amy was born with that spirit.”
“Smile” with Barbra Streisand
Both known for their duets, Bennett andBarbra Streisandtook on the Charlie Chaplin-penned standard “Smile” together for the former’s 2006 albumDuets.The sweeping rendition opens with Bennett’s husky vocals before transitioning into Streisand’s sweet lilt over strings.
“Sing You Sinners” with John Legend
source: people.com
