Who: Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto and raised in Queens, New York, the singer changed his name to Tony Bennett after his return from combat in World War 2. His first hit, Because of You, topped the charts in September 1951, succeeded at No. 1 by his cover of Hank Williams' Cold, Cold Heart and a string of successes through that decade and into the next.
Although he struggled for prominence in the 1970s, Bennett made a comeback in the 1980s and '90s. He has won 15 Grammies and sold more than 50 million albums.
About the album: Bennett celebrates his 85th birthday with a 17-track selection that, arguably, is even better than his 2006 Grammy-winning Duets. Certainly, there are some nice inclusions, from Lady Gaga on The Lady Is A Tramp, to the late Amy Winehouse's smoky and assured contribution to Body And Soul and k.d. lang's oh-so-cool harmonies on Blue Velvet.
Highlight: Speak Low (with Norah Jones).
For those who like: Sinatra.
