Tony Bennett The Nicest Legend On the Road Today June 19. 2009 – I’ve been lucky. I haven’t met a lot of dorks in the music world, not artists anyway. Most of the asses were actually radio people who had inflated views of their own self importance. In music the diva’s, with me anyway, were the small bit players. I once interviewed the band 3 Deep. What, you haven’t heard of them either? They were a trio made up of The Young & the Restless" actor Joshua Morrow, Eddie Cibrian, who has been making headlines with Leann Rimes and a Canadian singer CJ Huyer. Throughout my whole interview Morrow and Cibrian acted like bratty 2 year olds who had missed their daily dose of Prozac. I actually had to scold them 4-5 times in the interview to either answer my questions of I would leave. I did.
I’ve heard the rumors of tough interviews with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson and of course Billy Bob Thornton but other than music Gods 3 –Deep it’s never happened to me in thirty years!
Probably the nicest performer I’ve ever met, the most appreciative and humble person was Tony Bennett. If you experienced this man in concert you know what I mean. Almost every word he says is wrapped in this thankful deep knowing that he has chosen well. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for in life then just watch old Tony.
Tony with Smooth Jazz Now Editor Shannon Edwards and Smooth Jazz Now owner John Beaudin
When a music superstar asks you backstage “how was the show? Was it ok?” It’s really a what-duh-moment. Was it ok? It was one of the best shows I’ve ever experienced is what it was. “I’m never too sure how it sounds from your end” he continued. It’s not that he wasn’t sure of himself, he, even after all these years in the business, still wanted and invited feedback.
Here is a guy who fought in the final stages of World War II as an infantryman. He had his first No. 1 song “Because of You" in 1951. His other biggies include “Rags to Riches,” “Blue Velvet,” and tons more. Of course his signature song is "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". When he sings the latter it’s always a moment in time that everyone in the audience remembers.
Bennett has often said that he gets a great comfort in performing, going as far as saying it keeps him young. The American legend has just released an extended concert schedule starting July 2 in Vienna, VA and taking him well past his annual Christmas gigs into Feb. 14 in Uncasville, CT.
It’s strange to say that at 82, the crooner is on top of his game. What his voice has lost in range he easily makes up with heart. – by John Beaudin
July 2009
2 - Vienna, VA - Filene Center at Wolf Trap
3 - Montreal, Quebec - Place des Arts
5 - Toronto, Ontario - Canon Theatre
7 - Burlington, VT - Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
10, 11 - Atlantic City, NJ - Ceasars Atlantic City 21 - Lenox, MA - Tanglewood
August 2009
9 - Newport, RI - Fort Adams State Park
15 - Cohasset, MA - South Shore Music Circus
16 - Hyannis, MA - Cape Cod Melody Tent
28, 29 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia Festival at Ravinia Park
September 2009
12 - Waterbury, CT - Palace Theater
25 - Costa Mesa, CA - Orange County Performing Arts Center
26 - Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery
October 2009
6 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Orpheum Theatre
7 - Victoria, British Columbia - Royal Theatre
9 - Regina, Saskatchewan - Conexus Arts Centre
10 - Calgary, Alberta - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
12 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - TCU Place
13 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Manitoba Centennial Centre
15 - Edmonton, Alberta - Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
November 2009
4 - Morristown, NJ - The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
6, 7 - Atlantic City, NJ - Ceasars Atlantic City
December 2009
5 - Baltimore, MD - Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
16 - New York, NY - Count Basie Theatre
January 2010
5 - Saratoga, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
6 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
8 - Miami, FL - Adrienne Arsht Center
10 - Naples, FL - Philharmonic Center for the Arts
12 - West Palm Beach, FL - Kravis Center for the Arts
February 2010
14 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
Tony Bennett Gives Back to New Orleans Music Program May 4, 2009 – The New Orleans tradition of great music was given a boost yesterday when Jazz crooner Tony Bennett donated dozens of new instruments to students at a charter school founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
"This means instruments will be available to these students for years to come, to continue making music history in New Orleans," said Bennett.
The timing could not have been more perfect as the second half of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival kicked off this week.
KIPP Believe College Prep, the recipient, is a public charter school established after Hurricane Katrina flooded 80 percent of the city in 2005. The “giving” chain of events started on the Oprah Winfrey show. Barry Jaffin was the winner of the “Big Give” contest hosted by Oprah’s magazine “O” and Jaffin wanted the $5000 worth of instruments to go to New Orleans schools. Then, Music Rising and the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation got on board with the cause. In the end, over $100,000 worth of instruments were given to KIPP.
Bennett was also treated to a concert from the kids featuring renditions of "Free Spirit Overture" and "My Funny Valentine.” Bennett said, "These kids are amazing. What I heard today was real music. They played with feeling, with such heart.”
Bennett, 82, has won 15 Grammy Awards and is most known for his 1962 signature song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” – by John Beaudin
Tony Bennett Marries Long-time Girlfriend June
27, 2007 - Maybe Tony
Bennett needed 20 years just to be sure but
after a long courtship the singing legend has
married girlfriend Susan Crow. The pair tied the
knot in New York City last Thursday. The fifteen
time Grammy winner said, "This is the best
time of my life," The happy couple will honeymoon
in Italy. Bennett will turn 81 this August, Crow,
who is a teacher is 40. The pair founded the charitable
organization exploring the Arts that will kick
of its first benefit show at Radio City Music
Hall September 9. The show's line-up includes James Taylor and K.D. Lang.
- Kari Graham
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Smooth Jazz Now.com
Sacramento Loses Their Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. More
Now 3 Chances to Win “Classic Smooth Jazz 6 Packs” February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history. More
In Conversation with U-NAM on his latest CD ‘Unanimity’ February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. More
Sade Is Queen Again February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. More
Record Numbers of Votes Registered for the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” More
In Conversation with Paula Atherton February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer. Read the interview
June 19. 2009 – I’ve been lucky. I haven’t met a lot of dorks in the music world, not artists anyway. Most of the asses were actually radio people who had inflated views of their own self importance. In music the diva’s, with me anyway, were the small bit players. I once interviewed the band 3 Deep. What, you haven’t heard of them either? They were a trio made up of The Young & the Restless" actor Joshua Morrow, Eddie Cibrian, who has been making headlines with Leann Rimes and a Canadian singer CJ Huyer. Throughout my whole interview Morrow and Cibrian acted like bratty 2 year olds who had missed their daily dose of Prozac. I actually had to scold them 4-5 times in the interview to either answer my questions of I would leave. I did.
May 4, 2009 – The New Orleans tradition of great music was given a boost yesterday when Jazz crooner Tony Bennett donated dozens of new instruments to students at a charter school founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
June
27, 2007 - Maybe 
March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. 
February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history
February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. 
February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. 
February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” 
February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer.