Singer Tony Bennett passed away yesterday at 96 years old.
The crooner was memorialized by many celebrities and friends, from musicians to former Presidents.
Bennett, who began his professional career in the forties, reportedly still relied on music until his final days.
The Instagram post announcing Bennett’s passing reads in part, “But he was still singing the other day at his piano, and his last song was ‘Because Of You,’ his first number-one hit.”
As of this writing, Bennett’s team has not issued a specific cause of death, although Bennett has been extremely public with his struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease in recent years.
Bennett announced his struggle with the disease two years ago, also letting the public know he had been living with Alzheimer’s for half a decade at that point.
Bennett had a friend and collaborator in Lady Gaga in his later years. Gaga paid tribute to Bennett at the Grammy’s last year.
Former Beatle Sir. Paul McCartney was also fond of Bennett’s artistry and had collaborated with the “New York State of Mind” crooner in the past. McCartney, who will soon be collaborating on a podcast about his lyrical work, paid tribute to Bennett on social media Saturday morning.
McCartney Calls Bennett ‘A Special Singer’ In His Poignant Instagram Tribute
McCartney posted tributes to the beloved entertainer on both his Instagram and Twitter accounts and wrote lengthy tributes in both posts.
On Instagram, the “Here Today” singer wrote, “Very sad to hear Tony Bennett has died. He was a special singer and a good friend. I was privileged to work with him on a few occasions and he was always a wonder to behold. Thanks Tony for the joy you brought to our world. Love Paul”
On Twitter, McCartney included a photo from a different occasion, featuring himself and Bennett posing together.
Very sad to hear that Tony Bennett has died. He was a special singer and a good friend. I was privileged to work with him on a few occasions and he was always a wonder to behold. Thanks Tony for the joy you brought to our world. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/nTxIHaooIl
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) July 22, 2023
McCartney’s followers on both accounts commented their own tributes to “The Very Thought Of You” crooner.
A fan commented on McCartney’s Instagram tribute, “Paul, I remember seeing you two at the Bridge School Benefit in 2004, and Tony said you were the nicest person he had ever met. And you know he met a lot of people. He adored you! Sending you hugs and love.”
“Two of the greatest singers…. ever,” another wrote.
McCartney Will Take A Look At His Own Artistry With An Upcoming Podcast
McCartney is still delving into new projects! The Blast took a look at his latest, which was announced earlier this week.
The rocker will sit with “The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present” collaborator Paul Muldoon to examine specific songs from his extensive catalog of music from over the years.
Muldoon, who is a poet, reveals a bit about the podcast’s inspiration in a teaser trailer for the project. Discussing the decision to continue his collaboration with McCartney, he said, “When we listened back to the tapes [from the book’s composition], we realized there was something very special happening in these conversations. As we ventured out on this journey line by line, it became clear how much of McCartney’s biography is, indeed, embedded in the lyrics, going all the way back to his childhood in Liverpool [England].” Muldoon explained. (via the trailer, per The Blast)
The podcast will be divided into two seasons, with the first arriving on September 20th. Season two will be released in January!