Back Cover

Legendary singer, artist, and performer Tony Bennett has been one of the world's most beloved entertainers for more than six decades. From the 78 to the LP to the digital age, Tony has done it all, and is still at the top of his game. Decade after decade, this artistic icon--who has won seventeen Grammys, sung for ten presidents, and performed for royalty--has refused to compromise his vision or values. Bennett's popularity continues to grow as each new generation discovers his timeless songs and incredible voice. In this entertaining and thoughtful memoir, Bennett shares stories of friends and family and the essential lessons they have taught him: of the value of hard work and of creating art that continues to inspire; of perseverance and a dedication to excellence; of the necessity of humility, love, respect, and, most important, gratitude. He pays tribute to all the remarkable talents he has had the honor to work with and to learn from, including Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and others. A magnificent testament to an extraordinary man and his art, and illustrated with Tony Bennett's own beautiful hand-drawn artwork, Life Is a Gift is a work that will captivate, delight, and be cherished by music lovers of all ages.

Author Biography

Tony Bennett (1926 - 2023) grew up in Astoria, Queens, during the Great Depression. After serving as an infantryman in World War II, he studied singing and signed with Columbia Records in 1950, releasing his first hit with the label in 1951. Over the course of his career, which spanned more than sixty years, he sold millions of albums that achieved gold and platinum status both in the United States and worldwide, and won twenty Grammy Awards.

Review

"Writing in the same style as he sings... Bennett shares countless tales about showbiz, his famous friends, his family, and his artistic career... he remains Zen-like in his delivery... Bennett's tips for happiness, success, and longevity are like music to the ears." -- Publishers Weekly"Bennett offers inspiring observations from a joyful life fully lived ... [in] this generous, upbeat memoir." -- Booklist (starred review)"In many ways, Bennett's story reads like a classic American novel...Like the Zen principles he advocates, Bennett writes in simple, plain prose....revealing stories that define his path and unique perspective... readers can almost hear his distinctive cadence as he waxes nostalgic...celebrity and career anecdotes will likely appeal to fans." -- Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers"Bennett's career has had a peerless longevity and has likely provided him with wisdom and anecdotes for two or three books of this nature...there is...a great deal of wisdom in the [Zen] suggestions at the close of each chapter when they stem directly from Bennett's own richly lived life." -- Kirkus Reviews"A gentle read--maybe the equivalent of easy listening--filled with vignettes from the great crooner's life and lots of stories on his showbiz pals--Sinatra, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and, more recently, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga." -- New York Post

Review Quote

"Writing in the same style as he sings... Bennett shares countless tales about showbiz, his famous friends, his family, and his artistic career... he remains Zen-like in his delivery... Bennett's tips for happiness, success, and longevity are like music to the ears." -- Publishers Weekly "Bennett offers inspiring observations from a joyful life fully lived ... [in] this generous, upbeat memoir." -- Booklist (starred review) "In many ways, Bennett's story reads like a classic American novel...Like the Zen principles he advocates, Bennett writes in simple, plain prose....revealing stories that define his path and unique perspective... readers can almost hear his distinctive cadence as he waxes nostalgic...celebrity and career anecdotes will likely appeal to fans." -- Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers "Bennett's career has had a peerless longevity and has likely provided him with wisdom and anecdotes for two or three books of this nature...there is...a great deal of wisdom in the [Zen] suggestions at the close of each chapter when they stem directly from Bennett's own richly lived life." -- Kirkus Reviews "A gentle read--maybe the equivalent of easy listening--filled with vignettes from the great crooner's life and lots of stories on his showbiz pals--Sinatra, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and, more recently, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga." -- New York Post

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