Tony Bennett - July 8

In an industry in which, to quote Paul Simon, "every generation throws a hero up the pop charts", it's a tribute to the quality of Tony Bennett's unmistakable vocal style that he’s endured as a significant presence on the international music scene since he had his first hit 'Because of You' back in 1951.

Born in New York City, the boy Bennett took to singing practically from the get-go. After serving in Europe in World War II, he scored a deal with Columbia Records. After enjoying more pop hits like 'Rags to Riches', he scaled the jazz vocal heights in the late fifties with albums like The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings.

In 1962 he recorded his trademark hit 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco', still a favourite with MOR fans. Although the dominance of rock music reduced his profile, he roared back in the late eighties, scoring more gold record albums and reaching new generations without compromising his standards. He’s scooped an astonishing fifteen Grammys, and his total record sales exceed 50 million. Bennett is also an accomplished painter, exhibiting under his original birth name Benedetto. We reckon this legendary live performer will leave his heart in Cork too.

DID YOU KNOW?
• Tony Bennett was the main inspiration for Irish singer Dickie Rock.
• Bennett was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926.
• He got his big break when comic actor Bob Hope saw him in a Greenwich Village revue. A major record deal soon followed.
• Always noted as a natty dresser, he's been going to the same tailor since 1950, Doug Hayward in Mount Street, London.