As the nation and the world mourn the loss of the renowned singer and entertainer Tony Bennett, many are turning to his own eloquent words to reminisce and contemplate the different facets of his remarkable life story.
In his autobiography, “The Good Life,” co-written by Tony Bennett and Will Friedwald and published in the late 1990s, Bennett revealed that he had been asked numerous times why he hadn’t previously written his life story. His response was that he was not someone who liked to dwell in the past or look backward. Bennett explained that he had always felt compelled to move forward and push himself to new heights.
However, as detailed in “The Good Life,” published by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster, Bennett had a change of heart regarding sharing his life story. He described how the pieces of his life had started to fall into place like an intricate mosaic, and he realized the value of reflecting on his journey.
Among the many captivating insights and anecdotes Bennett shared, he paid homage to his family members who had immigrated from Calabria, Italy, to the United States in search of new beginnings and greater opportunities. He regarded his grandparents and other immigrants as incredibly courageous individuals, astounded by the sacrifices they made to leave behind everything they knew for a chance at a better life.
Bennett’s grandfather, once settled in America, established a wholesale fruit-and-vegetable business catering to pushcart owners. Bennett admired his grandfather’s dedication, as he would tirelessly work from morning until sunset, leaving his grandmother in charge of managing the finances. At the end of each day, he would entrust her with his earnings, and she would handle the bills, saving whatever was left in a hidden trunk beneath their bed.
Despite his modest upbringing during the Great Depression, Bennett expressed immense gratitude for his success. He vividly remembered his mother, a seamstress, working diligently on her sewing machine in their cramped home to stitch as many dresses as possible, striving to earn much-needed income for the family. Although he felt sadness for his mother’s constant worries and struggles, he considered her a source of inspiration and love.
Throughout his autobiography, Bennett emphasized his deep appreciation for the opportunities and blessings life had bestowed upon him, despite the challenges he faced. He cherished his family’s original name, Benedetto, which means “the blessed one,” as he believed it perfectly symbolized his own fortunate journey.
As we commemorate Tony Bennett’s remarkable life, we are reminded of his resilience, optimism, and unwavering dedication to his craft. His autobiography serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of family, and the pursuit of one’s passions.
Maureen Mackey serves as the managing editor of lifestyle for Fox News Digital.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
