He had a good long run, Tony Bennett did. Anthony Dominick Benedetto died just days shy of his 97^th birthday this past Friday. Millions know Tony for his signature songs that have been a part of the soundtrack of our lives for so many years, for his wide, toothy grin, and for his firm grip on every microphone he crooned into.

Sure, I grew up listening to Tony on the “hi-fi” in the living room back in the day. He was a fixture on the radio then, with a name as familiar as Sinatra’s.

But I knew Tony in a completely different way. Years after having his album covers scattered about our home as a kid, I met him and introduced him on stage as a radio personality numerous time, at various venues in New York including Radio City Music Hall.

That was after he became “hip” again. Tony went through a period of time when he was someone that your parents listened to and was not current on the music scene. His son, Danny changed all that, though, and revitalized his career in the late 70’s, got a Tony Bennett album to the charts in 1986 (the first time in 14 years)  and introduced him to a whole new, younger audience. Often appearing on MTV, Tony Bennett, always classy, always smiling, became the coolest cat in the room.

And somewhere around the time that 1986 album came out, I had the amazing opportunity to go to his office in midtown (along with a recording engineer and radio station program director) to interview Mr. Bennett. It was one of my first BIG interviews with a superstar celebrity. I will never forget what I saw.

Lining the floor of this large space were paintings-scenes of New York, all painted by ADB.

I was amazed, as I did not know he was such an accomplished artist, as well as a legendary singer.

“Oh, Mr. Bennett, your paintings are just beautiful,” I exclaimed as I walked around the room examining them all.

“Sweetheart…take one” he said to me. (Please imagine his recognizable voice saying that.)

I was stunned. How could he be offering me a painting, something original he had done himself… so easily. I was raised to be very polite. “Oh, no, Mr. Bennett, I…I couldn’t possibly,” I stammered. Couldn’t I?? I mean, why not? He offered. Something inside me said, don’t be so polite! Do it!

“Sweetheart, take a painting” he insisted.



The idea of walking out of his office with a painting, with my boss and engineer by my side, with nothing for them, just didn’t seem right. And besides, those paintings must have gone for thousands of dollars!

What is wrong with you, I asked myself. You are crazy! He offered... But… I just couldn’t.

“Mr. Bennett, you are so kind. That is so generous of you, but I..I can’t take a painting.”

And so, we went on with the business at hand, getting him set up for the interview… and that.. was that.

I became his go to host for all the events he did with the radio station, and for years, at Christmas time, I received an official Tony Bennett Christmas Card…with one of those beautiful New York scenes he painted right there on the front, signed by Anthony Dominick Benedetto. I smiled each time I opened the envelope.

And yes, all these years later, I still regret not taking a painting. Not only because HE painted them, but because they were wonderful images of a gentler time in New York.

I was just too polite. And he was just too adorable.

Rest in peace, Anthony.