The musical world lost Tony Bennett, the last of classic American crooners, yesterday at the age of 96. Connie Francis has paid a moving tribute to him.
Affectionately known as “The First Lady of Rock and Roll,” Connie Francis remarked, “I first met Tony Bennett when I was 17 years old, and the year I had signed with MGM Records. He was and remained such a lovely man. We did meet several more times, and on some of these occasions at weddings.”
Francis continued, “His music influences several of my decisions on album content. In 1959, when recording my album ‘One For The Boys,’ which consisted of songs associated with male artists, I unhesitatingly selected Tony’s big hit ‘Because of You’ so that he be represented. ‘The Good Life,’ another of his successes, was chosen for ‘Movie Greats’ of the ’60s in 1966, and my show that year at the Sahara, which was recorded live by MGM, featured his signature song ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’.”
“Farewell dear Tony. You left your heart in San Francisco, and your voice to the world,” Connie Francis exclaimed.
