Life Is a Gift - by Tony Bennett (Paperback)

About the Book

One of the most well-known and beloved vocalists of our time, Tony Bennett is an American icon. Now, in this rich and beautiful memoir, the legendary Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer takes us behind the scenes of his multi-platinum career. Revealing, insightful, and always moving, Life Is a Gift tells the stories of Bennett's experiences in the music industry, what he learned, and who he met along the way, including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Duke Ellington, as well as Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, and Lady Gaga. A "master class in life," this revealing retrospective offers an intimate look at Tony Bennett's journey, from growing up during the Great Depression to carving a career in popular music that has spanned more than six decades as his popularity among all generations continues to grow.

Book Synopsis

In this beautiful and rich New York Times bestselling retrospective, the entertainment icon shares with his fans the life lessons he has learned throughout a career that spanned six decades. Illustrated with Bennett's own hand-drawn artwork, Life Is a Gift is a work that will captivate, delight, and be cherished by fans and music lovers of all ages.

"Writing in the same style as he sings. . . Tony Bennett shares countless tales about showbiz, his famous friends, his family, and his artistic career. . . . [His] tips for happiness, success, and longevity are like music to the ears." -- Publishers Weekly

Legendary singer, artist, and performer Tony Bennett was one of the world's most beloved entertainers for more than six decades. From the 78 to the LP to the digital age, Tony did it all. Decade after decade, this artistic icon--who won twenty Grammys, sung for ten presidents, and performed for royalty--refused to compromise his vision or values. Even now, Bennett's popularity grows as new generations discover his timeless songs and incredible voice.

In this entertaining and thoughtful memoir, Bennett shares stories of friends and family and the essential lessons they taught him: of the value of hard work and of creating art that continues to inspire; of perseverance and a dedication to excellence; of the necessity of humility, love, respect, and, most important, gratitude. He pays tribute to all the remarkable talents he has had the honor to work with and to learn from, including Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and others.

From the Back Cover

Legendary singer, artist, and performer Tony Bennett has been one of the world's most beloved entertainers for more than six decades. From the 78 to the LP to the digital age, Tony has done it all, and is still at the top of his game. Decade after decade, this artistic icon--who has won seventeen Grammys, sung for ten presidents, and performed for royalty--has refused to compromise his vision or values. Bennett's popularity continues to grow as each new generation discovers his timeless songs and incredible voice.

In this entertaining and thoughtful memoir, Bennett shares stories of friends and family and the essential lessons they have taught him: of the value of hard work and of creating art that continues to inspire; of perseverance and a dedication to excellence; of the necessity of humility, love, respect, and, most important, gratitude. He pays tribute to all the remarkable talents he has had the honor to work with and to learn from, including Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and others.

A magnificent testament to an extraordinary man and his art, and illustrated with Tony Bennett's own beautiful hand-drawn artwork, Life Is a Gift is a work that will captivate, delight, and be cherished by music lovers of all ages.

Review Quotes

"Writing in the same style as he sings... Bennett shares countless tales about showbiz, his famous friends, his family, and his artistic career... he remains Zen-like in his delivery... Bennett's tips for happiness, success, and longevity are like music to the ears." -- Publishers Weekly

"Bennett offers inspiring observations from a joyful life fully lived ... [in] this generous, upbeat memoir." -- Booklist (starred review)

"In many ways, Bennett's story reads like a classic American novel...Like the Zen principles he advocates, Bennett writes in simple, plain prose....revealing stories that define his path and unique perspective... readers can almost hear his distinctive cadence as he waxes nostalgic...celebrity and career anecdotes will likely appeal to fans." -- Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers

"Bennett's career has had a peerless longevity and has likely provided him with wisdom and anecdotes for two or three books of this nature...there is...a great deal of wisdom in the [Zen] suggestions at the close of each chapter when they stem directly from Bennett's own richly lived life." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A gentle read--maybe the equivalent of easy listening--filled with vignettes from the great crooner's life and lots of stories on his showbiz pals--Sinatra, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and, more recently, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga." -- New York Post