In Memory Of: Music Icon and Legend: American Entertainer: Tony Bennett (1926 - 2023)

My tribute to the iconic and legendary Tony Bennett.  From Frank Sinatra and Sean Martin to Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga?  Yes!  Speaking of the man who left his heart in San Francisco but made his way into the hearts of generations of Americans beginning in 1949.  Now that's hip! \

In Memory Of:  Anthony Dominick Benedetto aka Tony Bennett (August 3, 1926 - July 21, 2023)

People who know him would describe him as a genuinely warm, humble, and kind-hearted human being.  He was not just an entertainer but a civil rights activist who lent his celebrity status to support the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

• Tony Bennett, masterful stylist of American musical standards, dies at 96 | AP News

 

The late Frank Sinatra or Old Blue Eyes as we liked to call him is considered an American Master, a standard, for all other American entertainers to measure up to. But one of his contemporaries is equally worthy of praise: Tony Bennett, a crooner like no other.

Anthony Dominick Benedetto (1926 - ) is an American singer; also an actor, artist, and activist. 

He is a humble yet great Italian-American, born in Astoria, Queens, New York who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and has been a tireless fighter for equal rights. Sinatra and Bennett had mutual respect and admiration for one another. Sinatra once said: “For my money, Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business. He excites me when I watch him. He moves me.” Bennett complimented Sinatra by founding a high school in his hometown that offers diplomas in fine art, dance, vocal and instrumental music, drama, and film. Whereas he could have named the school after himself, instead the institution is named Frank Sinatra School of Arts.

Bennett began singing at an early but his signature song, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco", was released in 1962. He has won numerous awards and sold millions of records and still continues to perform. Several young artists such as Lady Gaga, and the late Amy Winehouse, were honored to be chosen to collaborate with him on his “Duets” album. You can find several YouTube music videos, but for my listening pleasure, I start with this one wonderful collaboration between Bennett and the late Amy Winehouse. * 

Tony Bennett, Amy Winehouse - Body and Soul (from Duets II: The GreatPerformances)

Tony Bennett on Amazon Music. Stream ad-free or purchase CD's and MP3s

Official Website: tonybennett.com

Harry Belafonte and Tony Bennett Honored at 30th JFA Gala at Apollo Theater https://t.co/FaipfRAhHF via @billboard #icons #legends
Both departed in 2023 at the age of 96.#celebrities #history #memories #priceless pic.twitter.com/TKVyCM1ukI

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) July 21, 2023

In Memory Of: Jim Brown (1936 - 2023) | Sports Legend, Civil Rights Activist, and Actor

James Nathaniel Brown aka "Jim Brown" was a legendary American football player, civil rights activist, and actor.  Jim Brown Dead: Football Champion and 'Dirty Dozen' Actor Was 87 - Variety.

Image credit:  Wikimedia Commons

This is a very short tribute.

He was very popular but since I did not like football, I can't say much about his sports career. Nevertheless, I knew his name because everybody in my neighborhood knew who Jim Brown was.

I am proud that he used his celebrity status to work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to promote civil rights.

Also, I enjoyed his movies. I will always remember him for these 2 movies: The Dirty Dozen AND 100 Rifles.

• In the movie The Dirty Dozen (1967), he had a support role. He was part of a team of 12 men (a dozen) who had to sneak behind enemy lines during World War II and blow up the Germans.

• In 100 Rifles (1969), he and Raquel Welch had a steamy interracial love scene. Forget what the movie was about. The only thing people remember is that scene with Jim Brown and Raquel Welch making out. It wasn't even X-rated but it caused quite a stir.

Sadly, the iconic Raquel Welch (1940 - 2023) is also no longer with us. Raquel Welch, Actress and ’60s Sex Symbol, Is Dead at 82 - The New York Times

Original source

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Other Blog Posts in the "In Memory Of" Series:

Billie Holiday (1915 - 1959)

Prince (1958 – 2016)

Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) 

Chadwick Boseman (1976–2020)

Nichelle Nichols (1932 - 2022)

Harry Belafonte (1927 - 2023)