Your statement is.....inaccurate. Right now, as I post this comment there is a government lab in New Mexico (partially funded by an international media conglomerate) that is training Tony's clone to move, speak and sing as the original did.
@345mrse I've heard that, too. They're also cloning Mickey Rooney, but at the same age that he was in the first Andy Rooney film. It's called 'The Bennadetto/Hardy Project: Phat Tony and Little Boy. What will those cats drum up next. But, it should be 'a blast'.
My husband and I saw Tony a few years back in Worcester Massachusetts. At one point he asked for quiet, put down the microphone and sang without it. His voice filled the auditorium at 80 some years old! One of the most impressive musical treats I’ve ever experienced. A real legend. RIP, you did it all in San Francisco and many cities! ❤
Such a joy! I saw him at an old old theater in Minnesota's Twin Cities and he did the same thing...some friends were in the back row and said the acoustics were so good they could every nuance in his singing. The a wonder.
From the time I was a little kid, Tony Bennett was a singer I knew of, because when I was a little kid my dad used to play his records a lot and I would hear him singing. And when he'd be on a tv show at night, we;d watch. RIP Mr. Tony Bennett. Condolences to his family, friends and other fans who like me, enjoyed seeing and hearing him.
His joy here is infectious, and his comedic timing is impressive. His turnaround from intense drug addiction is even more impressive, and his marriage to a fan more than half his age has been proven to less salacious than sweet. (He apparently refused her proposal until she was 40 so it wouldn’t look so weird.) She also was intensely devoted to him during his end days.
Never get tired of this .. an instant "pick you up" if you are in need of some warm hearted humor .. and humanity .. For Tony fans its great to see how Baldwin has him down .. not just the voice, the nose and his manner of speech, but also the way he holds the mic, and Tony's signature 'self hug' .. (His signal to his millions of fans over the years that he truly appreciates and loves them) .. I read elsewhere that for Baldwin, it was a thrill to do this .. Which tells you a lot about him .. And of course, so fun to see Tony "enjoy the heck out it" .. and barely able to control himself with "Phony Bennett"" .. Oh my gosh .. the Best!!
Tony Bennett announced today under doctor's recommendations that he should no longer perform for health reasons. He's suffering from Alzheimer's. I watched for years how cruel this disease is and how it can slowly take away a life with my mother. But this skit here also shows you that Tony knew he was larger than life and also humble enough to make fun of himself. My mother was diagnosed at 67. If nothing else is good about this thank god he made it to 95 before his diagnosis. A legend.
Two Geniuses having a blast. Made me laugh out loud like it did when I saw it live. Magnificent. A testament to humanity. I cannot oversell this. Spot effing on.
Just going down memory lane watching all the Tony Bennett vids out there and I forgot about this one. He was great in the skit and a great sport to play along. The best parts were his Phony Bennett stage name and when he turned to the camera for the fake ad plug. One of the best entertainers ever. RIP Mr. Bennett.
on the one occasion that I met him he sparkled when he smiled at me. a verve and a vibe I will never forget. now that he is diagnosed with dementia that memory, and this bit, are even more precious to me. tattisimo auguri, Senore Bennedetto.
Had to revisit this one with him on my mind. This is, and always has been one of my all-time favorite sketches. Not only those BARBECUED FRITOS, but Tony's cracking up with the rest of us at "Phony Bennett." Great sport, talented man.
As a kid growing up in Astoria, I used to tell myself I needed a plan to escape and new I couldn’t sing like Tony Bennett. I finally made it out of there, and years later had the pleasure of meeting Mister Bennett after a show at the back door of a concert hall. He was as nice as he seems here in this video. I am very proud of the fact that he is from Astoria, and never forgets his roots. I have seen him in concert many times over the years and he is simply amazing. Still going strong at almost 90.
That is so terrific, Mr. Cabinero ! Real wistfully jealous here, that you got to meet him. Lovely! Tony B !!! ❤ We love you! PS. I would be proud of Astoria if I were you. I know you are… Anyway, it’s so fancy-schmancy expensive now… Oh Lordy, lawd , lord …. 🍎 🇬🇷 🇮🇹 🇺🇸 💴 💰 🏙 🌆
by far the best thing Baldwin has ever done...spot on. Nice touch using Tony's real name as his character name too.. and RIP to the great Mr B. Last of the greats of the Greatest Generation. He truly was "great"...
I met Tony Bennett once in San Francisco at Borders Books. I was in the music/CD section looking at a book. The place was empty, but I then sensed someone standing behind me, so I turned around and there he was. I said are you Tony Bennett and he said yes I am and shook my hand. He told me he was just visiting some friends in town. Then some people recognized him and stared asking him to sign CD's for them etc. and I went back to reading. A couple minutes later he comes back to me to talk about music!!! I couldn't believe it. What a nine man to take the time to chat with me! RIP Sir.
You can tell Tony’s been at Showbiz forever. Has a skit done entirely around him, by a legendary actor who’s honed his chops on nailing the impersonation. At the end of the sketch, after Alec whispers in his ear all the gushing gratitude he could muster, instead of basking in the momentary applause, and join his protege in finishing the sketch by hamming it up a few seconds more, Tony turns to the crew off stage, looking to pass off the microphone and get on with his evening.
He was made famous by a Black legend, Pearl Bailey, who he used to open for. Like many famous Italians of the time, Tony fought and supported The Civil Rights Act and marched with MLK and many others for voting rights. While never considering himself a jazz singer, he fought to change the racist laws and segregation his Black jazz singing partners faced in their travels. A true hero!
This is such a wonderful comedy bit. I'm older, so truly knee-slapping on multiple levels. This is one of SNL's best sketches, and my LI brother, A.Baldwin, nailed it!
