Tony Bennett’s son and manager, D’Andrea “Danny” Bennett, is sharing the inspiring message his late father taught him.
The legendary pop, jazz and big-band vocalist died Friday at the age of 96 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Tony, my father, imbued the essence of the American dream,” Danny, 69, told People on Monday.
“He taught us all that remarkable opportunities will reveal themselves and that anything is possible when you stick by your passion, believe in yourself and dedicate your life to quality.”
Danny described his father as “an artist, a humanitarian, and an inspiration to anyone who experienced his elegance and grace.”
“He and I experienced an amazing journey together as father and son, and I’m simply proud and humble to have been a small part of his legacy,” he added.
Tony was discovered in 1949 by Bob Hope — working with Pearl Bailey at a Greenwich Village club — and signed a deal with Columbia Records.
He went on to win 19 Grammys and make history as one of the only artists to chart new albums each decade from the 1950s to the present.
The iconic musician revealed in his 2011 book “All The Things You Are: The Life of Tony Bennett” that personal struggles left him broke, “drug addled” and near death.
Danny stepped in and became his father’s manager in 1979. He’s credited with reviving his career, which he managed until Tony’s retirement in 2021.
In February 2021, Tony revealed that he was suffering from a progressive, degenerative brain disease.
His family told AARP that his decline began in 2016, but his battle with Alzheimer’s became seriously concerning in 2018 when he was recording “Love for Sale” with Lady Gaga.
The not-so-unlikely duo reunited in August 2021 for a pair of heartwarming (and heartbreaking) farewell concerts at Radio City Music Hall.
The beloved singer is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto; Danny and his other son, Dae Bennett; his daughters, Joanna and Antonia Bennett; and nine grandchildren.