First published 2012
Tony Bennett opens his memoir by explaining his birth name, Anthony Dominick Benedetto, which means "the blessed one" in Italian. The legendary performer traces his career from the era of 78 rpm records through the digital age, sharing stories of the artists who mentored him including Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole. Bennett describes his collaborations with performers across generations, from Luciano Pavarotti and Judy Garland to Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse. He reveals how he maintained his artistic vision while winning seventeen Grammys and performing for ten presidents and royalty. The singer explores the lessons that shaped his philosophy: the importance of hard work, perseverance, humility, and gratitude. Bennett celebrates his passion for continuous learning and pays tribute to the remarkable talents he worked alongside. The memoir includes his own hand-drawn artwork and offers reflections on creating art that endures across decades.
Genres: 20th-century, autobiography, biography-memoir, music, 21st-century, musicians
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mentor-mentee
Period: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s
272 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins