Biden, Billy Joel, Elton John lead tributes for Tony Bennett after singer's death at 96
The entertainment world is reacting to the death of legendary crooner Tony Bennett.
Bennett, who rose to fame in the 1950s and was still dazzling audiences in recent years thanks to collaborations with Lady Gaga, "passed away in his hometown of New York City" Friday morning, according to a statement from his publicist provided to ABC News.
The "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" singer, who won 20 Grammys and was named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2005, was 96. He had been battling Alzheimer's disease since 2016.
Among those leading the tributes was Billy Joel, who called Bennett "one of the most important interpreters of American popular song during the mid to late 20th century" in a statement shared to his website.
"He championed songwriters who might otherwise have remained unknown to many millions of music fans," the "Uptown Girl" singer continued. "His was a unique voice that made the transition from the era of Jazz into the age of Pop. I will always be grateful for his outstanding contribution to the art of contemporary music. He was a joy to work with. His energy and enthusiasm for the material he was performing was infectious."
Joel added, "He was also one of the nicest human beings I've ever known."
President Joe Biden marked the death of Bennett, calling the late singer an "American classic" just like the songs he crooned.
"Jill and I have been fans of Tony's music for a long time – not only because of his beautiful voice, but also the joy that he brought to everything he did. We send our deepest condolences to his family and fans around the world," Biden said in a statement.
The president also noted Bennett "lived history."
"He helped liberate prisoners at a subcamp of Dachau. He joined the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery. He performed for Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy, and Queen Elizabeth II, and recorded music with everyone from the Count Basie Orchestra to Lady Gaga. Bob Hope gave him his stage name. Frank Sinatra was his mentor. There's no doubt about it – Tony Bennett's life was legendary. And his contributions to the arts in America will endure," Biden said in a statement.
Keep scrolling to read more tributes for Bennett.
Elton John: "So sad to hear of Tony's passing. Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see. He's irreplaceable. I loved and adored him. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family."
Nile Rodgers: "My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett's family and friends. They're also my emotional family and friends."
Keith Urban: "Just heard about the great Tony Bennett passing. What a legacy of not only superb timeless music, but a class act study in cool, grace, and elegance."
Fran Drescher: "Tis w/ gr8 sadness, we say farewell to the late great Tony Bennett. He exemplified a person who was good as gold, sweet like sugar & a deeply feeling, empathic human being. I wish more had the stuff you were made of Tony. RIP 🙏 #power2performers."
George Takei: "The great Tony Bennett has passed away at the age of 96. He was the last of his kind, a master of the American songbook. He may have left his Heart in San Francisco, but he won all of our hearts, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. Be at peace, and sing to us now from the stars, Tony."
Viola Davis: "Well....your journey was complete sir. Your greatness was not just measured by your talent but your influence. Generations will be inspired by your work. The angels are rejoicing today by gaining a magnificent choir member. May flights of angels......❤️❤️❤️❤️."
Ozzy Osbourne: "Very sad to hear about Tony Bennett's passing. Rest in Peace."
Gene Simmons: "Today we lost an icon of icons. Kind, considerate and as Sinatra was quoted as saying, the best singer of them all. Rest In Peace, Tony Bennett."
Barack Obama: "Tony Bennett was an iconic songwriter and entertainer who charmed generations of fans. He was also a good man—Michelle and I will always be honored that he performed at my inauguration. We're thinking of his wife Susan, his kids, and everyone who is missing him today."
Bill and Hillary Clinton: "We loved and admired Tony Bennett and marveled at the breadth of his talent and depth of his commitment to creating a better world."
Nancy Pelosi: "Tony Bennett was a national treasure: an extraordinarily gifted singer, a great humanitarian and a true American patriot...Personally, Tony was my dear friend, with whom it was my privilege to share many special moments."
Josh Gad: "This one shouldn't sting so much because any of us would take 96 years, but man is it hard to imagine a world without the great Tony Bennett. 💔"
