Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett is one of the top jazz vocalists of the past 60 years. He was born Anthony Benedetto in Queens, New York. In 1948 Bob Hope suggested he change his stage name from Joe Bari to Tony Bennett. His audition record “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” got him a contract with Columbia Records in 1950. Tony recorded duets with numerous recording stars including the song “Body and Soul” with Amy Winehouse. This was the last recording she made before her death. He appeared in the movie “The Oscar,” many television shows, and recently a TV special with Lady Gaga. Among his accomplishments are 19 Grammy Awards and 2 primetime Emmys. Tony had many hit records including “I Left my Heart in San Francisco.” The photo is from his Milwaukee appearance in 1963, the year I started working at WOKY.
