Tony bennett biography children

American singer (1926–2023)

This article is about the American singer. For other people with the same name, see Tony Bennett (disambiguation).

Anthony Dominick Benedetto (August 3, 1926 – July 21, 2023), known professionally as Tony Bennett, was an American jazz and traditional pop singer. He received many accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Bennett was named a National Endowments for the Arts Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. He founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York, along with Exploring the Arts, a non-profit arts education program. He sold more than 50 million records worldwide and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Armyinfantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with "Because of You" in 1951. Several popular tracks such as "Rags to Riches" followed in early 1953. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". His career and personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era. Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV Generation while keeping his musical style intact.

Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. He attracted renewed acclaim late in his career for his collaboration with Lady Gaga, which began with the album Cheek to Cheek (2014); the two performers toured together to promote the album throughout 2014 and 2015. With t

Tony Bennett may have 20 Grammys, two Emmys and a Lifetime Achievement Award to his name, but his four children — Danny, Dae, Johanna and Antonia Bennett — served as his biggest source of pride.

The legendary singer died on July 21, 2023, at 96 years old, his rep confirmed to PEOPLE. Bennett had been quietly living with Alzheimer's disease since 2016, which his family confirmed in 2021.

The jazz singer, who married his longtime love Susan Benedetto (née Crow) in 2007, first became a dad in 1954 with the birth of his oldest son, D'Andrea "Danny" Bennett, with his then-wife Patricia Beech. The former couple welcomed one more child together, son Daegal "Dae" Bennett, in 1955, before calling it quits in 1965. Their divorce was eventually finalized in 1971.

In 1969, Tony's daughter Johanna was born, followed by his younger daughter, Antonia, in 1974. Tony married their mother, Sandra Grant, in 1971; the couple separated in 1979 but did not formally divorce until 2007.

The "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" crooner opened up about being a dad in an interview with Forbesin 2016. "Personally, my four children and seven grandchildren are what make me proud," he said of his greatest accomplishments.

He also praised his sons for their contributions to his career. Danny managed the singer for more than 40 years and announced Tony's retirement in 2021, while Dae worked closely with his father to produce albums and songs from his catalog.

"They do a beautiful job. They just want me to sing and paint, and they take care of all of the details," Tony told the Washington Post in 1985. "They work hard to make sure nothing rubs my dignity or pierces the vanity."

Following Tony's death, a rift developed between Danny and his sisters. Johanna and Antonia filed a lawsuit against their brother in June 2024 over their late father's trust and assets — claiming that Danny "obtained person

Tony Bennett‘s list of awards included countless Grammys, one Primetime Emmy and tons of other impressive accolades, but his most meaningful achievement was his role as a dad. The legendary performer was the proud father of his four kids, Danny, Dae, Joanna and Antonia. Tony’s death was announced on July 21, 2023, after battling Alzheimer’s.

“Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens, on August 3rd, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today,” his rep said in a statement. “The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and nine grandchildren.” 

Tony first experienced fatherhood during his marriage with his first wife, Patricia Beech. The “Way You Look Tonight” singer married Patricia in 1952, and less than three years later, their eldest son, Danny, was born. They later welcomed son Dae, but Tony and Patricia called it quits in 1971.

That same year, the iconic crooner walked down the aisle with his second wife, Sandra Grant Bennett. Tony and Sandra were together for more than eight years, but they officially separated in 1987. Their divorce wasn’t finalized until 2007, according to reports. Despite the messy split, the former duo had two daughters, Joanna and Antonia.

As a father of four, Tony had his hands full while juggling his career as a singer, painter and author. The “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” artist also remarried for the third time with spouseSusan Benedetto (neé Crow) in 2007, though the lovebirds held off from having any children together. Instead, Susan has become a stepmom to his kids.

Considering their dad was one of music’s most beloved singers for several decades, it’s no surprise that Danny, Dae, Joanna and Antonia followed in their father’s famous footsteps. While each of his kids has pursued careers in music and Hol