NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Tony Bennett, the famous pop musician who had a remarkable career lasting over half a century, died on Friday morning, July 21, at the age of 96 in New York City. The legend, whose real name was Anthony Dominick Benedetto, reportedly delivered his last No. 1 album at the age of 85, as per Variety. The artist earned numerous honors over his career, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Though Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, he continued performing and recording until 2021. He was referred to as the world's most popular vocalist by his buddy, the late Frank Sinatra. He was signed by Columbia Records in 1950, and the majority of his songs were done under that label. His records were distinguished by ebullience, enormous warmth, vocal clarity, and emotional openness. He was a talented and technically proficient singer of the Great American Songbook, but his 1962 hit song 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' may have been his most famous number.

How did Tony Bennett die?

Bennett lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease and died at the age of 96. The renowned performer, who delighted generations of music fans with his duets and interpretations of jazz and pop arrangements, died in his native New York. The immediate cause of death has not yet been disclosed, according to his spokeswoman Sylvia Weiner, who spoke to The Associated Press. The legend would've turned 97 on August 3.

'Rich Italian heritage of music'

Bennett's close-knit Southern Italian family, from which he sprung, and his upbringing sparked his love of music in him at a young age. Eugene Di Novi, a musician and longtime friend of Bennett, stated to David Evanier, the author of 'All the Things You Are: The Life of Tony Bennet', that Tony "would absorb the rich Italian heritage of music throughout his childhood."

Bennett was also a painter

Bennett's reputation as a painter grew along with his musical career. He had close friends and admirers, including the artist David Hockney. His creations have been displayed in galleries all around the world, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC now has his painting of New York's Central Park on display. In 1996 and 2007, he released two books about his paintings. A memoir titled 'The Good Life,' co-written with Will Friedwald, was published in 1998. Now, his wife Susan Benedetto, his two sons Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna and Antonia Bennett, and nine grandchildren remain to honor his memory.

'Sing to us now from the stars, Tony'

Fans are paying tribute to Bennett, who they affectionately refer to as Tony, on social media. "The great Tony Bennett has passed away at the age of 96. He was the last of his kind, a master of the American songbook. He may have left his Heart in San Francisco, but he won all of our hearts, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. Be at peace, and sing to us now from the stars, Tony," tweeted a fan. "Very sorry to hear of the death of the great Tony Bennett who has passed away aged 96, this really is the end of an era, this his him during lockdown in 2020 singing Smile……..RIP Tony," wrote another. "Rest easy Tony, you are legendary, claimed another user. One fan noted, "Life well lived! Thank you Mr. Bennett."