"Life Is A Gift: The Zen Of Bennett" My Thoughts

A moving and inspiring memoir from one of the greatest musical artists of all time
"My given name is Anthony Dominick Benedetto, and Benedetto in Italian means 'the blessed one.' I couldn't say it any better than that."
—Tony Bennett
Legendary singer, artist, and performer, Tony Bennett has been one of the world's most beloved entertainers for more than six decades. From the 78 to the LP to the digital age, Tony has done it all and is still at the top of his game. In decade after decade, this artistic icon—who has won seventeen Grammys, sung for ten presidents, and performed for royalty—has refused to compromise his vision or values. His unwavering commitment to quality has helped him stay true to his classic sound and is the reason his music continues to endure. Mentored by such legends as Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole, Bennett has only gotten better with age, and his popularity continues to grow as each new generation discovers his timeless songs and incredible voice.

In this entertaining and thoughtful memoir, a collection of soulful reflections and philosophies from his life and career, Bennett shares stories of friends and family and the essential lessons they have 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. Bennett cherishes the passion and insatiable thirst for knowledge that have shaped his life and made each day a journey of discovery. He pays tribute to all the remarkable talents he has had the honor to work with and to learn from, including Luciano Pavarotti, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Willie Nelson, Lady Gaga, David Hockney, and k.d. lang, to name just a few.


A magnificent testament to an extraordinary man and his art, and illustrated with Tony Bennett's own beautiful hand-drawn artwork, Life Is a Gift is a work that will captivate, delight, and be cherished by music lovers of all ages.

My Thoughts...
What can I say? BRAVO!! Mr. Bennett...I absolutely, unequivocally, loved this book. Tony Bennett has been one of my favorite singers since way back when I was a teen-ager. I remember listening to his music over and over. I think the first song I remember hearing him sing was "Rags to Riches." Which if I remember correctly, it was a Number 1 hit, at the time way back in the early 1950s. He is like the energizing bunny, he just keeps going, and only gets better with age.

I loved his "Duet" albums, what a treat they were. I never tire of listening to him sing....

I loved reading this book, I never highlighted a book as much as I did this one. I loved all his little gems or should I say... "The Zen of Bennett"...  There were pictures of his many drawings, many photos of him with friends and family. What can I say?  BRAVO!! Mr. Bennett...

This book is part of my Nook library. I loved this book, therefore I am awarding it 5 Gold *****