15 Best Tony Bennett Songs
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Tony Bennett died Friday, July 21, at age 96, but his impact on music will live forever.
In his memoir, Just Getting Started, Bennett, a longtime proponent of the Great American Songbook, credited his mother for his commitments to quality, hard work and building a legacy.
"My mother, the seamstress, taught me a life lesson about art that I’ve learned applies to life and love, too: hold out for quality," he wrote. "You might have to work a little harder. It will take a little longer. But you will produce something that lasts."
And how. Honor his memory with our list of the best Tony Bennett songs.
Related: Get to Know Tony Bennett's Daughter Antonia
Best Tony Bennett Songs
1. "I Left My Heart in San Francisco"
Considered by many to be his signature song, "I Left My Hear in San Francisco" is quintessential Tony Bennett—and, if you can believe it, was originally released as a B-side.
2. "Blue Velvet"
Later popularized by Bobby Vinton, Tony Bennett was actually the first singer to croon "Blue Velvet" in 1951. His later duet version with k.d. lang is also a classic in and of itself.
3. "Rags to Riches"
Tony Bennett basically sings Horatio Alger stories with his signature smooth sound in "Rags to Riches." If the American dream had a musical score, it would be this.
4. "Because of You"
Because of Tony Bennett, "Because of You" became one of the best-loved love songs of all time.
5. "In the Middle of an Island"
Peaking at No. 9 in 1957, "In the Middle of an Island" is one of Tony Bennett's most famous songs—complete with calypso and, yes, island influences, likely at least partly the result of Harry Belafonte's popularity at the time. (Like Belafonte, Bennett would later come under fire for public comments about the United States' government, particularly its foreign policy.)
Related: Harry Belafonte's Best Songs
6. "Steppin' Out With My Baby"
Written by Irving Berlin for Easter Parade, Tony Bennett's rendition of "Steppin' Out With My Baby" gave the song a life of its own far beyond the screen.
7. "Put on a Happy Face"
Tony Bennett earned the nickname "Mr. Broadway" thanks to this cover of the classic Bye Bye Birdie tune.
8. "Sing You Sinners"
Moaning and groaning won't drive those blues away, but listening to Tony Bennett's 1950 cover of this classic might—his audible youth and exuberance are infectious here.
9. "The Lady Is a Tramp"
One of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga's earliest collaborations, their cover of "The Lady Is a Tramp" is as light and breezy as the type of lady who inspired it. Plus, who can resist the Derek Jeter namedrop?
Bennett previously told Parade of Mother Monster, “She’s so good. She’s got the biggest fan club that I think anybody’s ever had. There are so many people that love her. She’s one of the best singers I ever heard. She also plays great piano and dances very well. She’s an all-around great performer. I’m 85 and I’ve met so many people in show business over the years and I’m very impressed with her. She’s going to always surprise everybody with her artistry.”
Related: See Tony Bennett's Candid Backstage Photo With Lady Gaga
10. "I Wanna Be Around"
Tony Bennett's cover of "I Wanna Be Around"—a song inspired by Frank Sinatra divorcing first wife Nancy Barbato to be with Ava Gardner, who then broke his heart—was the first version to hit the Billboard charts.
11. "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
Long before the members of Green Day were twinkles in their dads' eyes, Tony Bennett delivered "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams," a cover of a 1933 tango song. Bennett's version is considered one of the very best renditions (listen to that man sing the word "gigelette!") and remains one of his most popular songs since its release in 1950.
Related: See Tony Bennett's Life In Pictures
12. "The Best Is Yet to Come"
Popularized by Sinatra, "The Best Is Yet to Come" was written for and first released by Tony Bennett.
13. "When Joanna Loved Me"
Tony Bennett once said he loved "When Joanna Loved Me" so much that he named his daughter after the song.
14. "Why Does It Have to Be Me?"
Heartbreak never sounded lovelier than it did on this B-side released in 1954.
15. "Stranger In Paradise"
There are at least two dozen covers of "Strangers In Paradise," originally written for the 1953 musical Kismet—but Tony Bennett's is the most popular and enduring.
