Jill and I have been fans of Tony’s music for a long time - not only because of his beautiful voice, but also the joy that he brought to everything he did.” - President Joe Biden, in a statement. And his contributions to the arts in America will endure.

He was also one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever known.” - Billy Joel, in a statement.’

His energy and enthusiasm for the material he was performing was infectious. I will always be grateful for his outstanding contribution to the art of contemporary music. “His was a unique voice that made the transition from the era of Jazz into the age of Pop. Bennett.” - Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., via Twitter.

In 2002, TheKingCenter, under my mother’s leadership, awarded him our Salute to Greatness Award. Thank you for your commitment to love, civil rights, and a better world.” And: “ #TonyBennett was a national and global treasure who utilized his platform as a legendary performer to stand for Civil Rights. But if you know what you’re doing and you have confidence in that and integrity, the world will find you. And one of the great lessons, I think, is to be strong in the conviction of who you are and strong enough to stay true to that because tastes change, times change. “I love being able to take lessons from someone like Tony. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family.” - Sir Elton John, via Instagram. Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see. Reaction to the death of Tony Bennett at age 96:

Heart of the wild classic