Celebrating Tony Bennett on what would have been his 100th birthday

NPR | By Kevin Whitehead

Published July 31, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT

Bennett, who died in 2023, was known for a string of hits, including "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Kevin Whitehead offers an appreciation and remembers some of Bennett's lesser-known songs.

Related Content

Remembering Irish singer–songwriter Glen Hansard

Terry Gross

Best-known for his band The Frames and his part in the 2007 film Once, Hansard got his start as a street busker in Dublin. He died July 29 in a motorcycle crash. Originally broadcast in 2008.
K-pop group BTS won't submit their new music for 2027 Grammy consideration

Michel Martin

K-pop supergroup BTS will not enter their music for consideration for the 2027 Grammys. We ask New York Times reporter Ben Sisario what's behind this decision.
Arts & Culture

Ahead of Newport Jazz Fest, Kamasi Washington stops by NH to talk music & connection

Patrick McNameeKing

Jazz composer and bandleader Kamasi Washington is known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary music, and he’s one of the headliners at this year’s Newport Jazz Festival.
Syd and Steve Lacy, voices of The Internet, chase the same quiet cool

Sheldon Pearce

The R&B group's breakout stars released new solo albums on the same day — one leaning out of the spotlight while the other confronts viral fame.
Renée Fleming & Béla Fleck: Tiny Desk Concert

Tom Huizenga

America's darling diva pairs up with the banjo guru of our time for a set of old Appalachian songs about love, loss and the sturdy hope for better times.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.