What was Tony Bennett's Net Worth?
Tony Bennett was an American singer, performer, and international icon with a net worth of $200 million at the time of his death. He passed away on July 21, 2023, at 96 years old.
Bennett's career began in the early 1950s after World War II. He rapidly rose to fame, becoming one of the most popular singers globally. His hits in the 1950s and 1960s included 'Because of You,' 'Rags to Riches,' and 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco.' Bennett also collaborated with jazz legends like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Bill Evans.
Although his popularity waned in the 1970s, Bennett made a stellar comeback in the 1980s with 'The Art of Excellence.' He continued to record and tour throughout the 1990s and 2000s, collaborating with contemporary artists like Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and Ed Sheeran.
Tony Bennett earned 20 Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
Early Life
Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born on August 3, 1926, in Queens, New York. His parents, Anna and John Benedetto, were a seamstress and a grocer. Growing up in poverty during the Great Depression, Bennett and his two older siblings struggled after their father's death when Tony was ten years old.
Inspired by artists like Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, and Louis Armstrong, Bennett worked as a singing waiter in Queens eateries by age 13. A talented caricaturist, he attended New York's School of Industrial Art for painting and music but left at 16 to support his family by taking various low-paying jobs.
In November 1944, Tony joined the United States Army and served as an infantry rifleman on the front lines by March 1945. He experienced intense combat and was part of the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp near Landsberg.
Post-war, Bennett returned home in 1946 and studied at the American Theatre Wing, perfecting a style influenced by instruments such as the saxophone and piano. In 1949, Pearl Bailey discovered Tony and invited him to open for her; Bob Hope attended the show and took Bennett on tour, leading to Tony's eventual signing with Columbia Records in 1950.
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Career
Bennett's career encompassed orchestral, pop, and jazz genres. His first major hit, 'Because of You,' topped the charts in 1951. 'Cold, Cold, Heart' followed, broadening his appeal nationwide. Despite the rock and roll revolution in 1955, Bennett remained successful and released high-acclaimed albums like 'Cloud 7' in 1955 and 'The Beat of My Heart' in 1957.
Maintaining his nightclub act reputation, Bennett staged a successful Carnegie Hall concert in 1962, showcasing 44 songs. His iconic 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' album earned him Grammy Awards and gold status.
The British Invasion impacted his commercial presence, but Tony continued producing music. By the late 1970s, battling drug addiction, Bennett nearly succumbed to an overdose. His son Danny took over as his manager, reviving his career. Bennett's 1986 album, 'The Art of Excellence,' and appearances on popular TV shows expanded his audience.
In 2011, Bennett's 'Duets II' album with artists like Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making him the eldest living artist to achieve that. Bennett earned eleven more Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In February 2021, Bennett's family revealed his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2016. Despite this, he continued performing until the pandemic.
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Painting
Besides singing, Bennett was a notable painter, with his works displayed in galleries worldwide. Some of his paintings have sold for up to $80,000. He spent his later years in Manhattan, painting his daily surroundings.
Relationships
In 1952, Bennett married Patricia Beech, and they had two sons, Danny and Dae, before divorcing in 1965. In 1971, he married actress Sandra Grant; they had two daughters, Joanna and Antonia. Their marriage ended due to Bennett’s drug issues in 1979. In the 1980s, Bennett started a relationship with Susan Crow, and they married in 2007.
Real Estate
Bennett lived in a stunning mansion in Marin County, California, with breathtaking views of San Francisco. Here's a video tour:
He listed the home for $27.5 million in 2010, and it sold for $15.5 million in 2015. Bennett also owned a New York City apartment with Central Park views.
