View CNN’s Fast Facts on the life of Grammy-winning singer Tony Bennett, famous for his signature song « I Left my Heart in San Francisco. »
Birth place: Queens, New York
Birth name: Anthony Dominick Benedetto
Father:John Benedetto, grocer
Mother:Anna (Suraci) Benedetto, garment worker
Marriages: Susan (Crow) Benedetto (2007-present); Sandra (Grant) Benedetto (1971-2007, divorced); Patricia (Beech) Benedetto (1952-1971, divorced)
Children: with Sandra (Grant) Benedetto: Antonia, 1974; Joanna, 1969; with Patricia (Beech) Benedetto: Daegal, 1955; D’Andrea « Danny, » 1954
Military: US Army, 1944-1946
Other Facts
Nominated for 36 Grammy Awards and won 18, plus received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards and won two.
During World War II, Bennett fought in France and Germany and participated in the liberation of a concentration camp. These experiences led Bennett to become a pacifist and anti-war activist.
Suffered from a drug problem in the 1970s.
Is an accomplished painter with artworks on permanent display at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
His career is managed by his son, Danny, whom Bennett credits with stabilizing his finances and revitalizing his career.
Timeline
1949 – He performs with entertainer Pearl Bailey at a New York City club and is discovered by Bob Hope. Hope suggests that he adopt the stage name Tony Bennett.
1950 – Signs with Columbia Records. Has a string of hits including chart-toppers « Because of You » and « Rags to Riches » in the early to mid-1950s.
1963 – Wins Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Solo Vocal Performance, Male for song « I Left my Heart in San Francisco.
