“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” -Psalms 139:14
Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born in New York City on August 3, 1926. He was raised in a loving home. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 to help support his family. He worked as a copy boy for the Associated Press. This would be the last job he would have before his life-long career would take off. Soon, his love for music and the arts would compel him to stardom. His smooth voice and charismatic personality caught the attention of many wonderful people. In 1949 he would find himself traveling and performing with Bob Hope, who gave him the stage name of “Tony Bennett.”
Tony Bennett would go on to sell millions of albums worldwide. He would win multiple awards and be recognized as one of only a few artists to have albums chart in at least 5 decades. His music is loved and appreciated by so many. Tony Bennett’s music is timeless.
Many things allowed Tony Bennett to be popular across generations. He was truly a gifted musician. Frank Sinatra told Life Magazine, “For my money, Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business.” That is high praise from one of the greats. He was gifted, to say the least. He was also innovative. For over 5 decades, Tony Bennett was willing to be creative so that he could share his music with newer audiences. His creativity and willingness to embrace change allowed him continued success.
Two wonderful examples of his innovation came in the last two decades. In 1994 he appeared on MTV Unplugged. The TV channel known for rock and rap videos broadcast Tony Bennett live on stage. A whole new generation fell in love with songs like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” This appearance and the release of the live album was welcomed by so many. The album charted 48 on the Billboard Top 200. In 2014 and in 2021 Tony Bennett would appear on the music charts once again. This time, he would record two duet albums with Lady Gaga. Tony Bennett, the crooner from New York, and Lady Gaga, the creative pop sensation. They were 59 years different in age. Their lives were so different, yet they found a way to make beautiful music together.
The wonderful music of Tony Bennett could have been left behind 40 years ago. Instead, he was willing to try new avenues to share his gift with the world, and many more people have been blessed because he never quit trying new things.
We have all been given the gift of God’s great love. We are called to share this boundless love with all people. It takes our creativity, our innovative energy, and our willingness to try new avenues to reach generation after generation with the love of God. The world needs the love of God. Our hope is found in this love. Let us be reminded that God has given us imagination, creativity, and spiritual gifts to use to share God’s love with the world.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
