Tony Bennett dies aged 96

Legendary pop and jazz singer Tony Bennett has sadly died aged 96, his publicist Sylvia Weiner has confirmed.

New York-born Bennett, real name Anthony Dominick Benedetto, died in his hometown this morning (Friday 21 July).

Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, announcing his diagnosis five years later. His last public appearance was with Lady Gaga at New York's Radio Music Hall in 2021, two months before the release of the pair's second collaborative LP Love for Sale; the sequel to 2014 team-up Cheek to Cheek.

A statement on Tony's official Twitter reads: "Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, “Because of You,” his first #1 hit. Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever."

Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, “Because of You,” his first #1 hit.

Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever. ❤ pic.twitter.com/hsOqtSdTNg

— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) July 21, 2023

See where every Tony Bennett song and album charted in the UK here.

Tony Bennett boasted nine UK Top 40 singles across an accomplished career spanning almost 70 years.

His debut release, Stranger in Paradise, peaked at Number 1 in 1955, with Tony achieving further Top 40 success with 1955's Close Your Eyes (18), 1956's Come Next Spring (29), 1961 release Till (35), 1963 single The Good Life (27), 1965's If I Ruled the World (40), (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco (25) and The Very Thought of You (21) and 2011 Amy Winehouse collaboration Body and Soul (40).

Bennett also earned four UK Top 10 albums across his career: 1966's A String of Tony's Hits (9), 2011's Duets II (5), plus Lady Gaga team-ups on 2014's Cheek to Cheek (10) and 2021's Love for Sale (6).

Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of Tony Bennett at this time.