New York mourns the death of legendary Astoria native Tony Bennett
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Tony Bennett was not only a star in the jazz world, but one in his hometown of New York City, which mourned his death Friday at 96.
Mayor Eric Adams, 62, was one of the first politicians to honor the legendary singer, taking to Twitter to write: “A working-class kid from Queens, Tony Bennett, sang our song to the world. Don’t let the lyrics fool you – he left his heart right here in New York City. May he rest in peace.”
Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, 81, followed up shortly after, sharing a touching photo of himself and the musician standing next to one another.
“No matter what he said about leaving his heart somewhere out west, Anthony Benedetto from Astoria always saved his greatest love for his hometown,” Bloomberg wrote on Twitter.
“Besides being one of the world’s greatest singers, Tony Bennett was humble and gracious, loyal and generous. He and his wife Susan founded a terrific public school for young artists in Queens, and I was honored to be introduced by him on its stage at the 2010 State of the City address.
“We’re going to miss Tony dearly, but as his foundation continues to help students explore the arts and pursue their dreams, his inspiring legacy will live on.”
Rudy Giuliani, another former mayor, 79, also honored the musician, calling him an “American icon who embodied the timeless spirit of New York City” and “remained true to his roots.”
During his time as mayor, Giuliani named October 24 Tony Bennett Day in 1995 to celebrate the musician’s “commitment to the city and our values.”
“He captivated audiences far and wide with his extraordinary talent, unparalleled artistry, and unwavering commitment to preserving the essence of the Great American Songbook,” the politician wrote on Twitter.
Governor Kathy Hochul, 64, also paid tribute to the singer, writing: “He brought joy to audiences around the world, attention to some of the most important issues of our time, [and] inspiration to the next generation of artists. He will be truly missed.”
Long Island native Billy Joel, 74, took to his social media pages to share several photos of the pair performing together, writing: “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.
“He was also one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever known.”
David Letterman, the former host of The Late Show with David Letterman, posted a 1986 performance Bennett did on his show, where the singer belted out his song “Everybody Has The Blues.”
However, it wasn’t just the city’s musicians and leaders that Bennett left his mark on.
Radio City, where he performed many times, honored him in a tweet, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of music icon Tony Bennett. Thank you for all the history and memories you made with us.”
Blue Note Jazz Club, which Bennett visited often, told The Post it was “saddened over the passing of our dear friend.”
“Tony was beloved at Blue Note and to my family personally. For years, Tony’s presence at the Blue Note Jazz Club was immense. He is responsible for helping put the venue on the map. Tony’s kindness and grace within the artist community is what set him apart. Today, we reflect on our memories of Tony, the gift he gave to music culture and to Blue Note. His legacy and music lives on.”
In addition, New York City Public Schools honored Bennett for opening to open the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, which is “impacting so many young scholars.”
“Thank you for everything, Tony. You will be dearly missed.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards also honored the singer, calling Bennett the “beloved son of Queens.”
“The World’s Borough deeply mourns the loss of this legend,” he wrote.
Rocco Sacramone, 64, owner of Trattoria L’Incontro, an Italian restaurant on 31st St in Astoria, near where Tony Bennett grew up and sometimes dined, recalled the singer being “down to earth’ and “very mellow.”
“He didn’t have an air about himself. He was like a regular Joe. He would walk in and sit down [at] corner table [and would make chit chat]: ‘You from Astoria too?’” Sacramone recalled to the New York Post. “He was here a few times, [he ordered] red sauces [and] traditional plates.”
The businessman also remembered a time Bennett entered his wine bar, which has since closed, that hd a piano that played by itself and the singer would sing the lyrics to the songs.
“We programmed the music, and he started singing the song. It was a while back. He came in with a lady, his wife or girlfriend. [The piano played the music and] he broke out in song and he started singing, ‘I left my heart San Francisco.’ About ten years ago maybe.
“I was thinking in my head this morning, maybe we should do something. Maybe a Tony Bennett-something pasta. He ate spaghetti with the house tomato sauce, he liked the house sauce that we have here.
“[He was] a humble man. He was very proud to give back to the neighborhood.”
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