Lady Gaga has paid a heartfelt tribute to her dear friend and musical collaborator, Tony Bennett, on the first anniversary of his passing. Bennett, the legendary jazz singer, passed away on July 21, 2023, in New York City at the age of 96.
On Instagram, Gaga shared an emotional message and a poignant black-and-white photograph of the two artists, capturing a moment from their collaboration on the 2021 album Love for Sale. The photo shows Bennett sketching a drawing in a notebook for the project.
“It’s been one year since Tony passed away,” Gaga wrote. “This picture says it all. I’m so grateful for my continued friendship with his wife Susan — the legacy of jazz music he left — and for the community of jazz musicians I still work with who all knew and loved Tony. We’re gonna keep on swingin’. Miss you … life is a beautiful thing.”
Bennett’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosed in 2016, was known to the public. Despite this challenge, he continued to create music and perform until his retirement from touring in 2021 after a final performance with Gaga at Radio City Music Hall titled One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Their collaboration produced two albums, including the jazz standards album Cheek to Cheek, released in 2014, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Their partnership not only brought jazz to a new generation but also showcased their deep musical connection and mutual admiration.
Following Bennett’s passing, Gaga shared her reflections on their time together, emphasizing the profound impact he had on her both musically and personally. “I will miss my friend forever. I will miss singing with him, recording with him, talking with him, being on stage together,” she expressed on Instagram, recalling their shared experiences and the transformative power of their musical partnership.
Tony Bennett’s legacy extends beyond music; he was a World War II veteran, a civil rights advocate who marched with Martin Luther King Jr., and a revered figure in the jazz world. His contributions to music and dedication to social justice have left an indelible mark on history.
Gaga’s tribute is a testament to the enduring influence of Bennett’s life and work. As she continues to honor his memory through her music and performances, she reminds us of the beauty of their shared journey and the timelessness of true artistry.
