Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett

Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett

by Tony Bennett
Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett

Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett

by Tony Bennett

Paperback

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Overview

In this beautiful and rich New York Times bestselling retrospective, the entertainment icon shares with his fans the life lessons he has learned throughout a career that spanned six decades. Illustrated with Bennett's own hand-drawn artwork, Life Is a Gift is a work that will captivate, delight, and be cherished by fans and music lovers of all ages.

"Writing in the same style as he sings. . . Tony Bennett shares countless tales about showbiz, his famous friends, his family, and his artistic career. . . . [His] tips for happiness, success, and longevity are like music to the ears." -- Publishers Weekly

Legendary singer, artist, and performer Tony Bennett was one of the world's most beloved entertainers for more than six decades. From the 78 to the LP to the digital age, Tony did it all. Decade after decade, this artistic icon--who won twenty Grammys, sung for ten presidents, and performed for royalty--refused to compromise his vision or values. Even now, Bennett's popularity grows as new generations discover his timeless songs and incredible voice.

In this entertaining and thoughtful memoir, Bennett shares stories of friends and family and the essential lessons they taught him: of the value of hard work and of creating art that continues to inspire; of perseverance and a dedication to excellence; of the necessity of humility, love, respect, and, most important, gratitude. He pays tribute to all the remarkable talents he has had the honor to work with and to learn from, including Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and others.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780062207074
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 10/29/2013
Pages: 272
Sales rank: 441,006
Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 8.96(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

About The Author
Tony Bennett (1926 – 2023) grew up in Astoria, Queens, during the Great Depression. After serving as an infantryman in World War II, he studied singing and signed with Columbia Records in 1950, releasing his first hit with the label in 1951. Over the course of his career, which spanned more than sixty years, he sold millions of albums that achieved gold and platinum status both in the United States and worldwide, and won twenty Grammy Awards.

Date of Birth:

August 3, 1926

Place of Birth:

Astoria, Queens, New York, New York

Table of Contents

Foreword Mitch Albom ix

Introduction: How Do You Keep the Music Playing? xv

1 Only Sing Good Songs 1

2 I've Always Been Unplugged 13

3 Proper Involvement 19

4 Learn What to Leave Out 41

5 The Art of Excellence 49

6 Fame on the Brain 61

7 Never Underestimate the Public 71

8 Butterflies Are Good 81

9 Bel Canto 89

10 The Family Circle 97

11 War Is Insanity 111

12 Free Form 119

13 Everything Should Be Done with Love 129

14 When They Zig, I Zag 135

15 Mentor a Young Person 147

16 Black Crows and Golden Birds 155

17 Life Is a Gift 169

18 Citizen of the World 179

19 Sometimes Turn Off All the Mics 193

20 Go with Truth and Beauty 201

21 Giving Back 209

22 This Too Shall Pass 219

23 I Sing to the Whole Family 229

24 I Never Worked a Day in My Life 235

Acknowledgments 243

List of Artwork 245

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