Tony Bennett Celebrates 90

It was a night to remember as Radio City Music Hall, the iconic concert venue in New York City, came alive with music, laughter, and tributes as Tony Bennett marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career - his 90th birthday. On a special evening, December 19, 2016, the legendary artist was feted by a host of celebrities who gathered to celebrate this remarkable journey. The star-studded event was captured for the music special, "Tony Bennett Celebrates 90," which would go on to be a poignant reminder of Bennett's enduring impact on the world of music. The evening began with a grand entrance by Tony Bennett, accompanied by his beloved wife, Susan Crow, and his daughter Antonia Bennett. As he took his seat on the majestic stage, a sea of faces lit up with warm smiles and applause, a testament to the affection and admiration that the world has for this extraordinary artist. Bennett, ever the humble and kind-hearted individual, was visibly moved by the outpouring of love and adoration, his eyes glistening with tears as he began to take in the scene before him. As the show commenced, Bennett took to the stage, his iconic voice soaring with a rendition of his timeless classic, "The Best Is Yet to Come." The audience was immediately transported to the golden age of music, with Bennett's gravelly delivery and impeccable phrasing harking back to the swinging jazz standards of the 1950s and '60s. This was a hint of things to come, a masterclass in artistry and showmanship that would only grow more breathtaking as the night progressed. First up among the guest performers was none other than the renowned Andrea Bocelli, who brought a touch of elegance and sophistication to the stage with his soulful take on Bennett's hit "I Wanna Be Around." Bocelli's powerful vocals and poignant delivery imbued the song with a sense of longing and nostalgia, a perfect fit for the legendary Bennett. The pair's chemistry was palpable, their voices blending in harmony like old friends who had been singing together for years. Next, the inimitable Michael Bublé stepped up, his effervescent personality and irrepressible energy instantly infectious. Bublé's smooth, velvety tones perfectly captured the essence of Bennett's iconic songs, his interpretation of "Steppin' Out with My Baby" a joyful romp through the jazz club heyday of New York City. Bublé's exuberance was matched by his deep respect for Bennett, as evident in the warm tribute he delivered to his musical hero. Lady Gaga, resplendent in a stunning, custom-made gown, burst onto the stage with a show-stopping performance of "I Won't Dance." Gaga's vocals, both powerful and expressive, poured over Bennett's timeless song like a symphony of passion and fire. Her voice soared and dipped, twisting and turning in ways that highlighted the beauty and complexity of Bennett's original composition. As the audience rose to its feet, Gaga's performance sent shivers down the spines of the packed hall, a testament to her remarkable talent and boundless passion. The evening was punctuated by several other incredible performances, each one tailored to showcase the unique gifts of its artist. Billy Joel, ever the consummate pianist, treated the audience to a masterful rendition of Bennett's "What the World Needs Now Is Love." Joel's playing was, as always, breathtaking - his fingers dancing over the keys with a mastery that left the crowd awestruck. His performance was a poignant tribute to the enduring power of Bennett's music to uplift and inspire us. Next, Elton John took to the stage with a soulful, heartfelt rendition of Bennett's hit "One for My Baby." John's voice, a timeless instrument that has captured the hearts of generations, was perfectly suited to the song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics. As he sang, his eyes seemed to gaze deep into the heart of Bennett's timeless composition, unearthing a beauty that was both raw and affecting. As the night wore on, the stars kept on shining. Diana Krall, a jazz icon in her own right, brought a sumptuous, velvety tone to her rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight." Krall's voice, so intimate and expressive, seemed to wrap itself around Bennett's words like a warm hug on a chilly night. Her performance was a masterclass in subtlety and nuance, each note and gesture imbued with a deep reverence for the music and the artist who had inspired it. k.d. lang, that great chameleon of music, brought a touch of the unexpected to the stage with her unique interpretation of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." Lang's voice, so versatile and expressive, soared and swooped through the song like a bird in flight. Her delivery, full of subtlety and shading, highlighted the song's beauty and complexity, imbuing it with a sense of the timeless and the universal. Leslie Odom Jr., that talented new voice in Broadway, took to the stage with his soulful rendition of Bennett's "East of the Sun." Odom's voice, so young and vibrant, shone like a beacon of hope and promise, its warmth and beauty transporting the audience to a world of magic and enchantment. His performance was a testament to the enduring power of Bennett's music to inspire and uplift us. Finally, the night concluded with two of the biggest names in music - Rufus Wainwright and Stevie Wonder. Wainwright, ever the adventurous musician, brought a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the stage with his irreverent take on Bennett's "Mistletoe and Holly." His delivery, full of humor and wit, seemed to wink at the audience, sharing a secret that only he and Bennett knew. The resulting performance was a delicious exercise in creative mischief, each note and gesture imbued with a sense of joy and abandon. Last but hardly least, Stevie Wonder, that incredible musician and composer, delivered a stunning, heartfelt rendition of Bennett's "For Once in My Life." Wonder's voice, so powerful and expressive, seemed to rise like a great, soaring cry of joy from the heart of the music. His performance was a perfect capstone to the evening, a final testament to the enduring power of Bennett's music to inspire and uplift us. As the night drew to a close, Tony Bennett stood up from his seat, surrounded by his friends and loved ones, and smiled from ear to ear. It was a truly unforgettable performance, a once-in-a-lifetime event that would be etched into the memories of the audience forever. The tribute was a fitting celebration of Bennett's 90th birthday, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of music.