Tony Bennett was born on Aug. 3, 1926, in Astoria, New York, and beginning in the 1950s dropped hit after hit that had audiences swooning and crooning.
Over the course of his iconic decades-long career, Bennett amassed 20 Grammy Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, and welcomed four children along the way.
As news breaks that the icon died on July 21, 2023, at age 96, take a look back at his long life in photos.
Tony Bennett’s Early Years
Tony Bennett — born on Aug. 3, 1926, in New York City — pictured as a teen.
Tony Bennett in 1952
The singer performing in Cleveland in 1952.
Tony Bennett and Wife Patricia Beech
With wife Patricia Beech leaving St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City following their Feb. 12, 1952, wedding. The two parted ways in 1971.
Tony Bennett in 1959
On The Dinah Shore Chevy Show in 1959.
Tony Bennett and Bob Hope
Joking around with Bob Hope during a 1967 visit to his show.
Tony Bennett and Wife Sandra Grant
With second wife Sandra Grant Bennett at the ABC Cinema in London for the 1973 premiere of Lady Sings the Blues. The couple split in 2007.
Tony Bennett in 1979
During a 1979 interview in New York City.
Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra
With friend and collaborator Frank Sinatra in Reno, Nevada, in 1980.
Tony Bennett’s Grammys
Winning a Grammy for best traditional pop vocal performance at the 1993 awards in Los Angeles. The singer has 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award.
Tony Bennett at the Kennedy Center Honors
President George W. Bush congratulates the 2005 Kennedy Center honorees — who include Bennett, far left — on Dec. 4 of that year. Also recognized that year: dancer Suzanne Farrell, actress Julie Harris, actor Robert Redford and singer Tina Turner.
Tony Bennett’s Daughters
With his daughters Antonia and Joanna Bennett at his 80th birthday party in New York City in 2006.
Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse
With singer Amy Winehouse in 2010; together, the two won a Grammy for best pop performance by a duo or group for a duet following Winehouse’s tragic death in June of 2011. When accepting the award, Bennett invited Winehouse’s parents on stage and let them say a few words.
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga
Performing with friend Lady Gaga on New Year’s Eve 2014 in Las Vegas. In 2021, the pair returned to the stage in N.Y.C. for two concerts in honor of his 95th birthday.
Tony Bennett Turns 90
Receiving a heart-shaped birthday cake in San Francisco in 2016 in honor of his 90th birthday and his famed song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” with current wife Susan Crow by his side. The two wed in 2007.
Tony Bennett and His Sons
Posing with sons Danny and Dae while picking up more Grammys at the 2018 awards in N.Y.C.
Tony Bennett’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
At one of his last public outings before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, at The Art Students League’s 2019 Gala in New York City on Nov. 4, 2019. In early 2021, Bennett’s family revealed to AARP The Magazine that the singer was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.
“Life is a gift — even with Alzheimer’s,” read a note from Bennett’s Twitter account the same day. “Thank you to Susan and my family for their support, and @AARP The Magazine for telling my story.”
Tony Bennett Dies
On July 21, 2023, news broke that Bennett had died at age 96. The singer left behind an incomparable legacy filled with hits that changed music.
Bennett is survived by wife Susan and his four children.