Working Overtime!

The music world finally said goodbye to a legend! With the passing of Tony Bennett at 96 years old, it is worth reading the online summary of this amazing man’s life and work. Of course we knew him for his delightful and unique signature voice, but this was an American icon with a lived commitment to justice across eight decades of his life. His story is a classic tale of artistic brilliance and towering character. I loved reading his biography and the countless tales wartime combat service. But especially for his standing up for racial justice during times when it took enormous courage in the wartime and post war years. His artistic resume is long and peerless, from performances and recordings all through the fifties and sixties. But he even flexed and reimagined himself collaborating with younger music artists, up to and including his delightful collaboration with Lady Gaga when in his nineties! He will be remembered as a thoroughly American icon, a courageous artist. I will listen to his music this week and remember what a hero is, when his heroism was centered on character, as much or more than on artistic achievements. So long sir, and keep singing. We’ll be sitting in the audience when we arrive.