Tributes have poured in for iconic musician Tony Bennett following his death at 96.
The legendary crooner – known for hits such as New York State of Mind, Rags to Riches, and his collaborations with Lady Gaga – died at his home in New York.
Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed the news to AP earlier today, saying the singer died just two weeks before his birthday.
‘The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and nine grandchildren,’ the statement read.
‘In later life, when Tony Bennett was asked in interviews how he wanted to be remembered he would often say, “As a nice person”.’
His cause of death has not been shared, but he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016.
The American hitmaker is survived by his wife, Susan Crow, and his four children from previous marriages.
The news has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans, including stars such as Sir Elton, Joe Bonamassa, and George Takei.
‘So sad to hear of Tony’s passing,’ Sir Elton penned on Instagram. ‘Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see.
‘He’s irreplaceable. I loved and adored him. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family.’
Martin Luther King’s daughter and lawyer Bernice King wrote: ‘Goodnight, #TonyBennett.Thank you for your commitment to love, civil rights, and a better world.’
Guitar icon Joe Bonamassa wrote: ‘Rest in Peace to one of the best to ever grace the stage. I was just saying that the greatest gig I had ever witnessed was Tony Bennett at North Sea Jazz in 2012. It was like dropping a needle on a record.
‘He was the last of the greatest generation of singers and musicians.’
Chic icon and record producer Nile Rodgers said: ‘My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett’s family and friends. They’re also my emotional family and friends.’
Paul Young posted on Twitter: ‘Ahhh, RIP Tony Bennett, truly one of the greats. The first album I had was Tony Bennett sings 10 Rodgers and Hart songs, from when my record company in 1976 let me do a “bank raid” of their vinyl stock and I was a fan from there on in. An incredible singer live, saw him many times.’
Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt wrote: ‘RIP Tony Bennett. The best of the best. The last of the legends. A man whose heart was as big as his voice.
‘The world’s foremost practitioner of the “Art Of Excellence.” Deepest love and condolences to my friend Danny and the family.’
Horror author Stephen King wrote: ‘Sorry to hear Tony Bennett passed. He was a smoothie.’
‘Tony Bennett performed at my birthday and Courtney (Roker, his daughter) did a duet with him,’ he said.
When asked what he was like, he said: ‘He was amazing. He was such a generous guy and he was New York. I remember one time I was on fifth avenue at 57th Street and this guy goes, “hey Al”, and I look and its Tony Bennett.
‘He was a friend of the show, he did the Christmas tree lighting a number of times, and he was just unbelievable. Seventy albums and recording with every other music star out there.’
Charity Well Child, whom Bennett had helped raise money for in the past, wrote: ‘We are saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Bennett.
‘Our staff & volunteers remember fondly the incredible concert he performed in, alongside Lady Gaga, in aid of WellChild. The concert was held at The Royal Albert Hall & attended by our Patron Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.’
Former first lady Hillary Clinton described the star as a ‘true talent, a true gentleman, and a true friend’ on Twitter, adding: ‘We’ll miss you, Tony, and thanks for all the memories.’
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