Don’t know the how, why or what caused this young guy from Utica, New York, to meet so many prominent persons and develop relationships with them. But happen it did!

I forgot Tony Bennett. Only recalled him when I came across his name on the internet yesterday. For shame. My shame.

We first met some 40 years ago. I was handling a number of heavy environmental legal cases in New York City. Spent considerable time in the City. I was always looking for another new good place to eat. Someone advised a hotel restaurant on the east side. I cannot for the life of me recall the name of the hotel. Not a well known popular one. Though as I subsequently learned, the hotel had a “heavy” clientele.

I went to dinner one night. Alone. No seats available in the dining room. The bar was a long one that was totally empty. So I sat at the bar to have dinner. Again, all alone.

After a short while, a heavyset gentleman came in and sat at the bar. Actually joined me. All other bar seats empty, he sits right next to me. My immediate reaction was the guy was gay.

He starts talking to me. Well spoken. Well dressed. A blazer, kaki slacks and a white unbuttoned shirt at the collar. Interesting hair do. Older than me by about 10 years. 

He looked familiar. Very familiar. Then it dawns on me. He’s Tony Bennett. Gay he is not. He lives in the hotel when in New York. Hates to eat alone. Saw me sitting alone at the bar and decided to join me. Note again with all seats available, he sits in the one immediately next to me.

Funny.

Anyhow, we spent about four hours together. Talked about everything. Enjoyed each other’s company immensely.

We decided that because we were “loners” and found each other enjoyable, we should get together again. We figured out a date when we both would be available and agreed to go for it. We continued this relationship for several years. Our meetings took place every 3 months or so.

A class act. A solid individual. A for real Italian-American. We blended!

He had a traveling act. I recall once when he appeared in Utica. Of course, I went. Took my wife and father. I knew my Dad would get a big bang out of hearing him sing in person.

I wanted to visit with him if he had the time. I left a message with his office. Utica was my home town. The theater manager a friend. Gave him a note to give Tony and tell him I would like to see him after the show. All worked out as I had hoped. We went back stage after the show. My manager friend took us to Tony’s dressing room. He was alone inside waiting for us.

Introductions, hugs and kisses. My Dad was going crazy. This was big time for him.

After about ten minutes, I made our excuses, noted he was a busy man and we would be leaving. Oh no, he said. We are going to have dinner together!

I took him to a small Italian restaurant that was one of my Utica favorites. Everyone went crazy when we walked in. Fortunately, I knew most of the people. Introduced Tony to everyone…..table by table.

We had a great evening!

Some Tony Bennett background I learned along the way.

Tony was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto.

Bob Hope gave him the name Tony Bennett.

Tony was Calabrian. His father actually was. His dad used to sing opera in Italy.

Tony’s fame “erupted” because of an event which occurred in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Whoever he was with, came across a sheet of music under some shirts in a drawer. The song, not known at the time, was “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” 

San Francisco was Tony’s next stop. It was 1962. His friend encouraged him to sing the song. Tony did and history speaks for itself. A major hit! Made him!

Tony was involved in Civil Rights. His friend Harry Belafonte got him into it.

Tony was also a painter at heart.  Landscapes and portraits his forte. He would sneak off to paint them. He painted under the name “Antonio  Benedetto.”

Frank Sinatra was impressed with Tony’s singing ability. He said, “For my money, Tony Benedetto is the best singer in the business.”

Personally, Tony was special also. He was recognized as a person of “incredible warmth.”

He died at the age of 96. God bless him!

Enjoy your day!