Just Getting Started - by Tony Bennett & Scott Simon (Paperback)

About the Book

"Tony talks about Charlie Chaplin; Judy Garland; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Cole Porter; Amy Winehouse; Fred Astaire; Lady Gaga; members of his family; significant places and other wonders that have enriched his own life. Recounting his relations with these entertainers, humanitarians, and loved ones ... Tony reveals how he has been shaped by the principles each of them imparted to him."--Publisher description.

Book Synopsis

"For my money, Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business, the best exponent of a song. He excites me when I watch him. . . . He moves me. He's the singer who gets across what the composer has in mind, and probably a little more." -- Frank Sinatra

"As breezy and meaningful as one of his trademark songs as readers learn about the man by the company he kept and the heroes he worships. Bennett's ethereal still lifes and landscape paintings adorn this simple yet profound and gracious homage."-- Booklist

Tony Bennett was one of our most vibrant musicians ever to grace the stage. In his previous book, Life Is a Gift, Tony reflected on the lessons he learned over the years. In Just Getting Started, he pays homage to the remarkable people who inspired those lessons.

In his warm and inviting voice, Tony talks about who and what have enriched his own life, including Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cole Porter, Amy Winehouse, Fred Astaire, Lady Gaga, members of his family, significant places, and more. Just Getting Started chronicles the relationship Tony enjoyed with each one of these legends, entertainers, humanitarians, and loved ones, and reveals how the lessons and values they imparted have invaluably shaped his life.

As enchanting and unforgettable as his music, Just Getting Started is a beautiful compilation of reflections every Bennett fan will treasure, and a perfect introduction for those just getting to know this remarkable star and humanitarian.

From the Back Cover

At ninety-one, musician and artist Tony Bennett is as vibrant and productive as ever. In addition to his prodigious musical output, which includes albums, concerts, and personal appearances, this beloved and enduring singer has written Just Getting Started, paying homage to the remarkable people who have inspired him.

In his warm, engaging tone, Tony talks about Charlie Chaplin; Judy Garland; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Cole Porter; Amy Winehouse; Fred Astaire; Lady Gaga; members of his family; significant places; and other wonders that have enriched his own life. Recounting his relationships with these entertainers, humanitarians, and loved ones, in Just Getting Started, Tony reveals how he has been shaped by the principles each of them imparted to him.

As enchanting and unforgettable as his music, Just Getting Started is a beautiful compilation of reflections every Bennett fan will treasure, and serves as a perfect introduction for those just getting to know this extraordinary star and generous spirit.

Review Quotes

"[Just Getting Started] is as breezy and meaningful as one of his trademark songs as readers learn about the man by the company he kept and the heroes he worships. Bennett's ethereal still lifes and landscape paintings adorn this simple yet profound and gracious homage." - Booklist

"He's the reason that I'm here today, that I'm still making music, that I'm still excited to make music." - Lady Gaga

"For my money, Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business, the best exponent of a song. He excites me when I watch him. . . . He moves me. He's the singer who gets across what the composer has in mind, and probably a little more." - Frank Sinatra

"If Tony Bennett, who swings wonderfully, can't send you, there's a phychiatrist right up the street from you. DIG him." - Louis Armstrong

"Tony Bennett is one of the greatest. He's in a class by himself." - Fred Astaire

"The epitome of what entertainers were put on earth for. Tony was born to take people's troubles away, even if it's only for an hour. He loves doing it; he's a giver." - Judy Garland

"He's a big, beautiful man. With all of his greatness, his hat size never needed to be larger than his artistic stature." - Duke Ellington

"Fans of heralded crooner Bennett will revel in this inviting charming book...In these beguiling portraits, Bennett warmly remembers of the deep influences on his life." - Publishers Weekly

"In Just Getting Started...the singer takes a look back on his long, successful career and rich life...What comes through in all 42 chapters is the singer's gratitude...Let's hope this new generation can learn a lesson from Mr. Bennett's unflagging class and graciousness. - Wall Street Journal