I left my heart in San Francisco.
It’s a relatively famous declaration by the internationally-renowned jazz vocalist Tony Bennett. In some ways, we can all relate to these wistful lyrics, whoever or whatever our San Francisco may be. The relatability of Bennett’s smooth songs, coupled with his silky voice, helped him nurture a successful jazz career that has spanned a wealth of decades.
This legendary crooner was first discovered in 1949 where he caught the attention of Bob Hope.
He went on to tour with him, and soon thereafter signed with Columbia Records in 1950.
The next decade he would concentrate and focus on releasing jazz standards and new singles, with a voice perfectly suited for the job. Young fans swooned in adoration as his lush vocals lulled them into dreamy realities.
But the rise of Rock and Roll tampered inevitably with his career.
In the late 1960s, Bennett witnessed the face of music change in front of his eyes.
His record company urged him to shift his sound and to imitate more popular acts, including the Beatles. Fans began to dissipate as they leaned more heavily into guitar-laden riffs and sounds. While his career may have experienced a temporary pause, Bennett chose to rise to the times and has continued to win Grammys throughout the years for his indisputable talent and heart.
It’s a talent and heart he used to bridge a generational gap in 2011 when he released Duets II.
The performance was a follow up to a 2006 release entitled Duets: An American Classic.
Bennett released this collaborative album to commemorate his 80th birthday, as well as a lifetime of music. It featured the talents of Barbara Streisand, Elton John and Sting.
In this follow-up album, Bennett paired up with the company of modern pop vocalists, including the late Amy Winehouse.
It turns out that Bennett was a huge fan of Amy Winehouse.
It was in her that he saw strength and beauty. He readily recognized her voice for what it was—something real and raw. If Duets II is to be known for any track, may it be known for the affectionate rendition of “Body and Soul,” which Bennett and Winehouse tackled together with an unmatched poise and grace.
This smoky and sultry version is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
An orchestrated track and ever-smooth jazz piano accompanies the two singers as they melt their voices into the atmosphere.
One listen and you’re instantly transported to a different place and time. It’s with this performance that Benett confirms his place in jazz history and Winehouse displays her world-class talent.
Hauntingly, this would turn out to be Amy Winehouse’s final performance.
Bennett confided to various sources in multiple interviews that he had a deep fondness for Winehouse.
He was aware of her personal struggles and even likened them to a period where he endured his own during a flop in his career. He revealed in an interview just three weeks before her death:
“Of all the contemporary artists I’ve worked with, she has the most natural jazz voice. Her phrasing and tone—she’s got it.” What was it like to work with her? “She was lovely. But I’d like to talk to her, and what I’d like to say to her is very personal. I’ve also had a moment of insecurity and darkness, and was able to pull out of it.”
He found her to be a natural jazz singer, and it effortlessly shows.
This poetic performance and piece of history lives to tell the tale.
The following year, Bennett accepted a Grammy on her behalf.
Watch it for yourself in the video below!
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