Last Updated on August 21, 2021
Tony Bennett is retiring at 95, leaving behind a fabulous legacy that spans more than eight decades. But before he leaves the stage, he and duet partner Lady Gaga are sharing a parting gift.
The brilliant duo recently released a video clip of the song “I Get A Kick Out of You”, a follow-up to their final show together at Radio City Music Hall. The show was billed as “One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.”
Danny Bennett, the singer’s son and manager told “Variety:” “There won’t be any additional concerts. This was a hard decision for us to make, as he is a capable performer. This is, however, doctors’ orders. His continued health is the most important part of this, and when Tony’s wife, Susan, heard the doctors she said, ‘Absolutely not’ (to any additional performances).”
As many know, Bennett has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and his health is of the utmost concern.
Fortunately for the singing legend’s fans, there will be another parting gift. Bennett and Gaga also will release an album titled, “Love for Sale,” that includes covers of Cole Porter hits. The release date is set for October.
Bennett and Gaga won a Grammy for their 2014 collaboration, “Cheek to Cheek.” The intergenerational collaboration is certainly bittersweet, given Bennett’s deteriorating health. But they are not alone in seeking a creative muse that spans multi-generations.
Bruce Springsteen and The Killers
Bruce Springsteen, 71, and The Killers released a new song titled “Dustland” in June. It’s a new duet rendition and a spin-off of the band’s 2008 single, “A Dustland Fairytale,” from the album “Day and Age.”
In an e-mail interview with “Rolling Stone,” Brandon Flowers, front man for The Killers, said the original plan was to play the song together live.
“But the idea to record it remotely was initially about giving people something during quarantine,” he told Rolling Stone. “‘Dustland’s” lineage leads straight to Bruce. When we finished it back in 2008, I sent him a copy and a note expressing my gratitude for his contribution to my life.”
Roger McGuinn and Matt Heafy
In Florida, Roger McGuinn, formerly of The Byrds, and Matt Heafy, guitarist and lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Trivium, recently went on the Growing Bolder Twitch channel to discuss their creative muse. As McGuinn approaches his 80th birthday, McGuinn was asked what advice he would give to a younger musician like Heafy.
“Perseverance, that’s it,” McGuinn said. “One time I was out of a record deal and a guy said, ‘Hey Rog, I think it’s your time.’ And my wife said, ‘Even if we have to stand on the corner with an open guitar box, we’re going to keep playing.’ So, it’s perseverance. If you love it, why would you want to stop for any reason?”
Heafy agreed and said, “I’m not going to stop. Look at the legends who are still going. This is something you’re supposed to do forever, and that’s what I love. I found that as life goes on, 22 years in the band isn’t a very long time in comparison with the career (McGuinn) had. I feel like where I’m at now, our band feels more creative, and more synergistic, and more excited to do things than we ever have.”
Thanks for your lovely legacy, Tony Bennett. One more for the road.
