Photo:Myrna M. Suarez/Getty
Myrna M. Suarez/Getty
Billy Joelwill always be grateful forTony Bennett.
After the legendary musiciandied at the age of 96on Friday, the pianist, 74, took time to reflect on Bennett’s impact on his career and music.
“[He] was a unique voice that made the transition from the era of Jazz into the age of Pop,” he wrote alongsideInstagram photosof the two performing together on stage. “I will always be grateful for his outstanding contribution to the art of contemporary music.”
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Joel was one of many artists to team up with Bennett on the 2001 albumPlayin' with My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues. The pair collaborated for a duet of Bennett’s"New York State of Mind,“originally off his 1976 albumTurnstiles. The duetearned the two a nominationin the best pop collaboration with vocals category at the2002 Grammy Awards. They would alsoperform the trackduring the Grammy’s live telecast.
Speaking about his experience collaborating with Bennett, Joel shared that he “was a joy to work with.”
“His energy and enthusiasm for the material he was performing was infectious,” he added. “He was also one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever known.”
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As for how Joel would remember Bennet’s impact on music, he shared that the late artist was “one of the most important interpreters of American popular song during the mid to late 20th century” who “championed songwriters who might otherwise have remained unknown to many millions of music fans.”
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source: people.com
