I was awakened this morning by my phone dinging next to me, alerting me to a news flash. When I pried my eyes open, I was saddened to see that the world had lost another great entertainer, Tony Bennett. Even though he was 96 years old, and had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years, he was one of that generation that I thought — or at least hoped — would never die. But all living things do, eventually, and today it was his turn.

Tony Bennett was one of the very few remaining “idols” of my youth. I distinctly remember his first hit recording — “Because of You” — being played over and over again on the radio when I was just 12 or 13 years old. And when he “left his heart in San Francisco,” he stole all of ours.

But what I found most remarkable about Tony was his professional longevity. Until just a couple of years ago, he was still performing — and with the likes of Lady Gaga, no less — and recording the great old songs that are so sorely absent today.

So I just wanted to say “thanks, Tony,” and safe travels on your final journey. You will be missed.

Brendochka
7/21/23