TONY BENNETT, who passed away at the remarkable age of 96, left an indelible mark on the world of music. As a classic crooner, he navigated the ever-changing tides of popular music, adapting without compromising his true essence. His initial rise to fame was nothing short of astounding, but the latter half of his career held its own captivating allure. In the 1990s, rather than chasing after younger audiences or artists, Bennett sought to discover common ground with them. This pursuit led to acclaimed ventures like his MTV Unplugged performance in 1994, featuring k.d. lang and Elvis Costello, and the release of two Duets albums in 2006 and 2011.
These projects showcased collaborations with both esteemed legends of old, such as Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and Elton John, as well as rising stars like John Legend, Amy Winehouse, and Norah Jones. While Bennett engaged in musical partnerships with various artists, it was his extraordinary bond with Lady Gaga that left an indelible mark on the final chapter of his illustrious career.
Their collaboration began with 2011’s Duets II, and over the subsequent decade, they unleashed two joint albums, embarking on a global tour that enthralled audiences worldwide. The pinnacle of their journey culminated in a grand finale at Radio City Music Hall, sealing Bennett’s career with a resounding denouement. Below, we celebrate the timeline of their creative and personal relationship, along with the music they created together, etching their names into the annals of musical history.
May 9, 2011: “Lady, you’re a jazz singer”
Their paths converged at the 2011 Robin Hood Foundation gala in the vibrant city of New York. Both Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga graced the stage with their performances that evening. Gaga, with her remarkable rendition of Nat King Cole’s “Orange Colored Sky,” left an unforgettable impression. Soon after the show, news reached her that Tony Bennett desired to meet her in person.
Looking back on their final concert together, Gaga recounted her nervousness upon the impending encounter, especially because she felt she looked a bit eccentric at the time, with a mix of blonde and black hair, adorned with red lipstick and four prominent velvet moles on her face. Yet, undeterred, she ventured to meet the legendary Mr. Bennett. And to her delight, he bestowed upon her these cherished words: “Lady, you are a jazz singer.”
Summer 2011: Duets II
Their inaugural musical collaboration saw them unite for the iconic song “The Lady Is a Tramp,” originally a timeless show tune by Rodgers and Hart from the 1937 musical, Babes in Arms. The recording of this classic piece took place at Avatar Studio in the heart of Manhattan, and it would later serve as the opening track for Bennett’s acclaimed album, Duets II. Notably, the prestigious journalist Gay Talese graced the recording session, meticulously documenting every moment of the event. In September, his detailed account of the proceedings was published in The New Yorker, offering readers a captivating glimpse into this momentous musical encounter.
Dec. 12, 2011: “Why am I naked?”
Just a few weeks before the much-anticipated release of Duets II, a surprising turn of events took place. Tony Bennett decided to auction off a nude sketch he had drawn of Lady Gaga during a photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair. The amusing incident was not lost on Gaga herself, as she playfully recounted the moment during her Thanksgiving special earlier that year. In jest, she shared how she walked into the room, announcing, “Well, Tony, here we are,” before bravely dropping her robe and assuming the pose for the sketch. Amidst her humorous account, she couldn’t help but express her slight bashfulness, pondering why she had chosen to disrobe in front of none other than the iconic Tony Bennett.
Jan. 11, 2012: As good as Ella and America’s Picasso
During an interview with Premierge, Tony Bennett couldn’t help but praise Lady Gaga’s extraordinary talent and professionalism while working on “The Lady Is a Tramp.” He marveled at her level of preparation and knowledge, comparing her to revered jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald and other renowned artists. Bennett was thoroughly impressed with Gaga’s multifaceted abilities, recognizing not only her musical prowess but also her dancing skills and her passion for challenging societal misconceptions. He found her to be a strong and empowering figure, believing that, if given the freedom to follow her creative path, she had the potential to become America’s equivalent of Picasso, a true artistic icon. In essence, Bennett spoke with genuine admiration, acknowledging Lady Gaga’s exceptional talent and expressing his belief in her limitless potential.
Sept. 28, 2012: The collaboration continues
Amidst his promotional activities for the ambitious Viva Duets project, Tony Bennett delighted fans with a revelation during an interview with Premierge. He disclosed that he and Lady Gaga had exciting plans to embark on a joint venture and record an album together. It all started with an unexpected call from Gaga herself, who dialed him from New Zealand, expressing her desire to collaborate on a jazz album. Bennett enthusiastically shared the forthcoming musical adventure, revealing that they would be accompanied by composer Marion Evans and a magnificent big swing band. He eagerly anticipated the project, asserting that while many may not be aware of it, Lady Gaga possessed remarkable skills as a jazz vocalist. The prospect of bringing together Bennett’s timeless artistry and Gaga’s hidden jazz brilliance promised an extraordinary musical journey.
Spring – Summer 2013: Cheek to Cheek sessions
The recording sessions for Cheek to Cheek took place during the spring and summer of 2013, marking the long-awaited collaboration between Gaga and Bennett. Looking back, Gaga confessed to feeling nervous before entering the studio with the iconic crooner. Her primary concern was to prove to him that she possessed a genuine jazz voice, honed through her dedicated studies in the genre. She wanted Bennett to recognize the authenticity in her vocals, as it would validate her as a true jazz singer. It was a pivotal moment for Gaga, as she knew that Bennett’s approval would reaffirm her status as a credible jazz artist.
June 18, 2014: Tattoo you
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July 29, 2014: “Anything Goes”
After an anticipation of nearly two years, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett finally made the official announcement of their collaborative album, Cheek to Cheek. Alongside the announcement, they delighted fans with the release of the first single, a mesmerizing rendition of the timeless Cole Porter classic, “Anything Goes.” To commemorate this momentous occasion, the dynamic duo graced the stage at the esteemed Rose Theater, located at Lincoln Center in New York, delivering a sensational performance that was skillfully captured and later released as Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek Live!
Prior to the concert, Bennett and Gaga offered a tantalizing glimpse of the album during an interview with Premierge. Bennett couldn’t help but express his excitement for the project, highlighting that it would encompass the greatest works of esteemed composers such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and many others. He marveled at the timeless beauty of these songs, believing that they would live on forever, transcending borders and generations. Gaga, on the other hand, revealed Bennett’s appreciation for her rendition of Billy Strayhorn’s classic “Lush Life,” a testament to the artistic freedom and versatility she brought to the album. As they shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming record, the anticipation among fans grew exponentially, eager to witness Gaga’s mesmerizing delivery of these immortal compositions.
Aug. 26, 2014: Behind the scenes
Prior to the release of Cheek to Cheek, Gaga and Bennett treated fans to a music video of their rendition of “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.” The video was unique as it showcased an abundance of behind-the-scenes footage from their studio sessions.
Sept. 19, 2014: Reaching Number One
Cheek to Cheek was finally released and made a grand entrance at the top spot on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. In its first week, the album sold an impressive 131,000 copies.
December 2014: A remarkable year
Gaga and Bennett concluded their eventful year with a series of unforgettable performances. During the early part of the month, they graced The Tonight Show with a delightful mini-set, which included renditions of “Cheek to Cheek” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” Additionally, Gaga delivered a soulful solo performance of Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye.” To welcome the New Year, they put on a special and memorable New Year’s Eve show in Las Vegas.
Feb. 8, 2015: Grammy Triumph
At the 57th Grammy Awards, Cheek to Cheek received the prestigious award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. During the ceremony, Gaga and Bennett graced the stage with a captivating rendition of the title track. Backstage, in an interview with Premierge, Gaga expressed her thoughts on her creative partnership and friendship with Bennett: “I had a strong desire for a genuine collaboration, a true artistic exchange,” she shared. “With Tony, I not only found that but also a true friend. We not only create music together, but we also share deep conversations. It has been an incredible experience in every aspect.”
April to August 2015: On Tour
Gaga and Bennett took their album, Cheek to Cheek, on a remarkable journey as they embarked on an extensive tour across North America and Europe. Throughout these months, they delighted audiences with their captivating performances.
Dec 16, 2016: Star-Studded Tribute
An impressive lineup of artists, including Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Elton John, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, and Stevie Wonder, among others, came together for a special tribute concert celebrating Tony Bennett’s 90th birthday. During the event, Lady Gaga fittingly performed the first song she and Bennett recorded together, “The Lady Is a Tramp,” and also mesmerized the audience with her rendition of Édith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose.”
Feb. 1, 2021: Bittersweet Reunion
After the whirlwind success of the Cheek to Cheek era, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga pursued separate paths for a few years. Bennett continued touring and released a collaborative album with Diana Krall titled “Love Is Here to Stay” in 2018. Meanwhile, Gaga focused on her music, releasing “Joanne” in 2016 and “Chromatica” in 2020, and also ventured into acting with roles in “A Star Is Born” and “House of Gucci.” In 2021, news broke that the duo had reunited to record a new album. However, this announcement was accompanied by the heart-wrenching revelation that Bennett was battling Alzheimer’s disease.
According to an AARP Magazine story, Bennett and Gaga worked on the follow-up to Cheek to Cheek between 2018 and 2020, during the progression of Bennett’s Alzheimer’s. Bennett’s son and longtime manager, Danny Bennett, shared that he had discussed going public with his father’s diagnosis with Gaga, and she fully supported the decision, seeing it as a gift that Bennett could share with the world.
Aug. 3 & 5, 2021: Farewell Performances
In a heartfelt celebration of Tony Bennett’s 95th birthday, Lady Gaga and Bennett took the stage at Radio City Music Hall for two special reunion concerts. These concerts turned out to be Bennett’s final live performances, as a few days later, his family announced the cancellation of his remaining shows for the year and his retirement from touring. The memorable Radio City concerts were captured on film and later broadcast as a concert special titled “One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.”
On September 30, 2021, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett unveiled their second and ultimately final collaborative album, titled “Love for Sale.” This album, dedicated to songs from the iconic Cole Porter songbook, predominantly consists of enchanting duets between the two artists. Additionally, the album showcases a handful of solo performances by both Gaga and Bennett.
Dec. 17, 2021: Unplugged (redux)
Approximately a month prior to their shows at Radio City Music Hall, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett quietly recorded an intimate set for MTV’s renowned Unplugged series. The eagerly anticipated special finally aired in December and featured captivating performances of classic songs such as “Night and Day” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
April 3, 2022: A Memorable Grammy Achievement
The collaborative efforts of Bennett and Gaga in Love for Sale garnered significant recognition at the Grammy Awards. The album received an impressive five Grammy nominations, including prestigious categories such as Album of the Year and Record of the Year for their rendition of “I Get a Kick Out of You.” Ultimately, the LP triumphed in two categories, winning Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
In a heartfelt tribute to Bennett, Gaga also graced the stage with a solo performance. With great emotion, she honored him by delivering captivating renditions of “Love for Sale” and “Do I Love You.” Adding a special touch to the tribute, Bennett himself appeared in a pre-taped video to introduce the performance. As Gaga sang her heart out, footage of their past performances and recording sessions played in the background, creating a poignant and touching atmosphere. Looking straight into the camera, Gaga expressed her love and longing for Tony, which elicited a powerful response from the audience, filling the venue with resounding applause.
