R.I.P., Tony Bennett. Bennett passed away today at the age of 96. He died in his hometown of New York City, just two weeks short of his 97th birthday. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. He is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and 9 grandchildren, according to People magazine.
“I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, written in 1953, was a hallmark of Tony Bennett’s music career. That song, interestingly enough, was the B-side single by Bennett to “Once Upon a Time.” It was No.19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and featured on the album “Left My Heart in San Francisco.” In 1984, the city of San Francisco adopted it as one of its official anthems.
Something has surfaced in social media that turns out to be a lovely tribute to the singer and his spirit. During the pandemic lockdown, when everyone was stuck at home indefinitely away from family and friends, singalongs became popular as a way for communities to come together. In April 2020, he used his signature song to raise spirits during the home isolation of the pandemic.
He posted a brief video on Twitter and asked people to join in. He suggested that people record themselves participating in the singalong and sharing it on social media.
I am so proud to see San Francisco come together and make a difference during this uncertain time. Today at 12pm PDT, we’ll sing I Left My Heart in San Francisco together from home. I encourage you to join, record your performance, and share online! #SingOutSF pic.twitter.com/sv4nshOiS7
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) April 25, 2020
There he was, a mere 93 years old, in a vintage black and orange San Francisco Giants jacket, asking people to sing his song. You can’t help but smile to see that.
California’s 1st “Second Gentleman” responded at the time.
Here are our last bars.
Thank you, Tony, and thank you San Francisco on this #SingOutSF day.
Our rendition felt both fun and cathartic. Phew. pic.twitter.com/NNJNS0kkS8
— Markos Kounalakis (@KounalakisM) April 25, 2020
Some gathered to show solidarity.
Bay Area residents gathered for the moment of powerful solidarity, which was also used to praise healthcare workers who had been toiling in the front lines of the coronavirus crisis.
A small crowd of people practicing social distancing also gathered in the Union Square on Saturday where jazz singer Mark Robinson sang the moving anthem while wearing a mask, in a live-streamed rendition.
Others gathered in front of a statue of Bennett at the Fairmont Hotel, where he first performed the hit song in 1961.
As Zoom became a way of life to stay connected with people, lots of singalongs popped up.
Mostly we want to forget about the pandemic and the way we had to live during that time. Some nice moments did occur, though, and they should be remembered. What a life Tony Bennett had. He deserves to be remembered today as someone who tried to lift spirits during a godawful time. May he rest in peace.
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