Profile of the Day: Tony Bennett

Posted August 3, 2022 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday to Tony Bennett! Today the iconic singer turns 96.

Image: Tony Bennett / Nationaal Archief, CC0

Bennett was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926 in Queens, New York to John Benedetto, a grocer, and Anna Suraci, a seamstress. Growing up, Bennett had a passion for music and the arts. He began singing at the age of 10 and as a teen he worked as a singing waiter in several Italian restaurants. During World War II, Bennett was drafted into the United States Army and served for three years.

After the war, Bennett pursued a career in music. His big break came in 1949 when Bob Hope saw Bennett perform at a nightclub and invited him to join him on stage for his performance at the Paramount Theatre. At the time, Bennett was performing under the stage name “Joe Bari.” Hope felt the name was forgetful and instead told him to take the name “Tony Bennett.”

Since launching to stardom, Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide and has won 20 Grammy Awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Recently, Bennett scored a last-minute Emmy nomination for his concert special, One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga.

What’s your favorite song?

Explore Tony Bennett’s family tree on Geni!