Anthony Benedetto better known as Tony Bennett jazz and MTV legend 

On My Subway Ride and Walk in Queens – Remembering Tony Bennett

On my subway ride and walk through Queens, New York, I arrived—flower in hand—at a cemetery surrounded by freeways known as Calvary Catholic Cemetery, where I found the modest family grave of the great singer, painter, and entertainer, Tony Bennett.

Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born to Italian immigrant parents from Calabria who came to America seeking a better life. Tragically, Tony lost his father when he was just ten years old, and his family lived in desperate povertythroughout his youth.

After serving in World War II, Tony returned to New York and, with the help of the GI Bill, studied singing. By 1951, his rich, emotive voice landed him his first number one hit, “Because of You”, followed by “Rags to Riches”—and a career was born.

Over the next few decades, Tony Bennett would become a jazz and pop legend, beloved for his phrasing, warmth, and deep respect for the Great American Songbook. But as musical tastes shifted, his career began to fade.

Then, in the 1990s, thanks to the vision and support of his son and manager, Danny Bennett, Tony found a new audience. Appearing on MTV Unplugged and performing alongside artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Flavor Flav, Tony reemerged as a cross-generational icon. The New York Times wrote:

“Tony Bennett has not just bridged the generation gap—he has demolished it.”

His Duets albums, recorded with stars like Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and Stevie Wonder, became global hits and introduced his timeless voice to millions more.

Tony’s final live performance took place on August 5, 2021, at Radio City Music Hall, alongside Lady Gaga. Despite battling advanced cognitive issues, he sang with heart, clarity, and precision—just as he had done for nearly 70 years.

Sadly, Tony Bennett died in New York City on July 21, 2023. He was 96.