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Birth Date
"The son of a grocer and an Italian-born immigrant, Tony Bennett is born Anthony Dominick Benedetto" -
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Tony Bennett Timeline
"Tony Bennett was trained from the start in the bel canto style of singing. It served him well. Bennett has gone on to earn 15 Grammys and to sell more than 50 million records in a career that’s celebrated in AMERICAN MASTERS Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends." "Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends Career Timeline." Public Broadcasting Service, 12 Sept. 2007. Web. 27 Nov. 2016. (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/tony-bennett-career-timeline/80/) -
Drafted and Served in World War II
From 1944-1946, Tony Bennett served "in combat in Europe during World War II and, upon his return stateside, attends the American Theater Wing on the GI Bill." -
Christened "Tony Bennett" in 1949
"Pearl Bailey asks Bennett to join her revue at New York’s Village Inn and he’s discovered by Bob Hope, who attends one of the performances. Hope offers Bennett a spot in his shows at the famed Paramount Theatre. Backstage, before Bennett goes on, Hope christens him 'Tony Bennett,' changing it from Bennett’s stage name at the time, 'Joe Bari.'" -
Successful Audition and Label
"Successfully auditions for Columbia Records’ producer Mitch Miller, singing 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams,' and signs with the label." -
First Hit
"Scores his first hit, 'Because of You,' which peaks at No. 1 and remains on the charts for 32 weeks. His next single, Hank Williams’ 'Cold, Cold Heart,' becomes the first notable cover of a country tune. Both feature the Percy Faith Orchestra, which provides the lush backdrop of 24 Top 40 tunes he charts before 1964."