Introduction
Throughout the years, Bennett has adapted to new times and broader tastes. He has even worked with major younger artists, such as Lady Gaga on the 2014 album Cheek to Cheek.
He has relished the opportunity to work with black musicians, including Count Basie and Duke Ellington. And he has embraced civil rights causes, joining Martin Luther King Jr. in the Selma-to-Montgomery march.
While the exact details of Susan’s net worth remain a mystery, her strategic investments and business ventures have contributed to the couple’s financial prosperity. Her philanthropic efforts also demonstrate her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, Bennett came from humble beginnings. His father died when he was only 10, and his mother worked as a seamstress to support her family.
Despite being warned by Mitch Miller not to imitate Sinatra, Bennett found his voice. His crooning style became a big hit on jukeboxes and was soon a major success on the pop charts. However, he also branched out and reached out to jazz audiences with innovative albums such as the 1957 “Cloud 7” that paired him with a small jazz combo. He would reach even further with his recordings of jazz standards such as “Mack the Knife.” Bennett is a true icon who has won 19 Grammy awards and enjoyed a decades-long career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
The son of Italian immigrants, Bennett grew up in Queens, New York, and was heavily influenced by his father’s love of singing Neapolitan songs. He also studied painting and music. The war shattered the beginning of his career and when he returned he refocused his energy into his art and music.
Bennett began playing in nightclubs, making his first big break when Pearl Bailey tipped off Bob Hope who invited him to join her on a short 1949 tour. He used the stage name Joe Benedetto at that time, as Hope thought his real last name was too long.
After a brief downturn during the rock music era, Bennett found renewed success when he stuck to his jazz roots and reached a younger audience with his 1994 album MTV Unplugged. In the same year, he released Cheek to Cheek and earned himself a Grammy Award. He later opened his studio in Englewood, New Jersey, and recorded duet albums with a wide variety of American and international artists including Frank Sinatra, Mexican singer Connie Francis, and Merited Artist of Soviet Russia Elena Zagorskaya.
Musical Legacy
Bennett’s ability to embody the sentiment of older America while infusing contemporary nuances enabled him to appeal to newer listeners while never alienating his longtime fans. His crooning style conjured images of Frank Sinatra and the golden age of popular music, while his voice conveyed familiarity and comfort, like listening to an old friend.
He was an advocate for civil rights and marched with Martin Luther King in 1965. He also used his celebrity to support mental health initiatives, including donating proceeds from his 2011 rendition of “Body and Soul” to help victims of suicide.
While most other artists were fading into obscurity during the rock era, Bennett continued to release platinum albums and perform in intimate venues, reaching new audiences while keeping his musical integrity intact. His successful fusion of jazz and pop encouraged others to experiment with cross-genre projects, proving that a musician could reach across generations. This paved the way for artists such as Lady Gaga to duet with the quintessential crooner on their 2014 album Cheek to Cheek.
The Business Behind the Music
Amid the ups and downs of his career, Bennett’s family has been there for him. He and his wife Susan have two children together, a daughter Joanna, and a son Daegal. Dae is a musician himself, per PEOPLE, having founded his studio in the ’90s, Hillside Sound, which he later expanded into a larger facility, Bennett Studios. He has also worked with a host of industry greats, including Naughty by Nature and Salt-N-Pepa.
Susan’s philanthropic endeavors have helped bring the arts to a more diverse audience, aligning with her husband’s goal of reaching out to those who may not otherwise be exposed to these forms of expression. She has supported various art institutions worldwide, as well as empowering women through her support of female artists.
The Man With the Golden Voice
The way Bennett’s voice soars on “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” or on a delicate rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon,” one can’t help but feel moved.
He’s a true American classic who weathered the rise of rock music and made a strong comeback in the ’90s and ’00s with strategic collaborations. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the crooner is worth $200 million.
About Family Members
When it comes to redemption stories, few are as uplifting as the tale of the man once known as The Man with the Golden Voice. In a story first reported by the Columbus Dispatch, Ted Williams’ life took some major turns before he eventually made it back on top. He went from living on the streets to landing serious voice-over gigs and even reuniting with his family.
He also landed a gig with Bob Hope, who had one demand: He wanted the singer to drop his just-folks name Joe Bari, and become Tony Bennett. Bennett agreed to the name change, and his career blossomed.
He’s now the oldest living artist with a number-one album and has maintained his success into the 21st century, thanks to a resurgence of interest in jazz standards and classic big band music. His enduring popularity can be attributed to his longevity, which is helped in part by the support of his family.
Artistry and Longevity
As the son of Italian immigrants, Bennett’s family heritage imbued him with a sense of culture and history that informed his work. The crooner was born on August 3, 1926, in Astoria, Queens. He grew up with two passions — painting and singing — and nurtured them throughout his early life, starting by waiting tables in nightclubs. He also served in the Army bands during World War II and took vocal classes on the G.I. Bill, allowing him to hone his easy and natural style.
As the decades passed, Bennett continued to win fans, releasing albums and touring well into his nineties. He worked with musicians ranging from Duke Ellington and Count Basie to 21st-century stars like Lady Gaga, earning accolades across genres and musical eras. During his illustrious career, Bennett sold more than 50 million albums and won 20 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. He performed at the White House and Buckingham Palace, as well as for Nelson Mandela.
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Net Worth Breakdown
Throughout his storied career, Tony Bennett earned an impressive collection of awards and accolades. The man Frank Sinatra called “the best in the business” left behind a legacy of over 70 albums. Bennett’s interpretations of the Great American Songbook were revered by global music audiences. He also took time to collaborate with contemporary artists, including Lady Gaga and Carrie Underwood.
When he retired from professional singing, Bennett accepted the coaching position at Washington State University. He helped the Cougars to their first NCAA tournament appearance in over a decade and set a school record with 26 wins during both the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.
It was a far cry from the dark period of his ’70s when he fell into a deep depression and racked up $1.2 million in debt from bad investments and back taxes. Despite his turbulent past, Bennett was never one to quit on his dreams. He even found a new home in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Maria Sjoholm.
Conclusion
Tony Bennett’s remarkable career and timeless contributions to music have not only earned him a golden voice but also a substantial net worth. With a combination of talent, longevity, and strategic business decisions, Bennett’s financial success stands as a testament to the enduring impact of his musical legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What made Tony Bennett famous?
Earned him an impressive 19 Grammy Awards
Who inspired Tony Bennett?
His father
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