Life Is a Gift
The Zen of Bennett
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4.1 • 16 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
“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
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.
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Relaxed and comfortable but full of vigor, Bennett's voice has charmed audiences for more than 60 years. Writing in the same style as he sings, in this new work he shares meditative lessons culled from his amazing life. Having learned the value of hard work during the Great Depression, the pointlessness of war during WWII, and the importance of being true to yourself during a career that has seen musical fads come and go over and over, Bennett (The Good Life, with Will Friedwald) has developed a loose set of rules by which he lives. Whether he is suggesting people "Only Sing Good Songs" or "Everything Should be Done with Love," Bennett explains how these tenets have shaped his success and makes suggestions about how others can apply them to their lives. Though not an autobiography per se, Bennett shares countless tales about showbiz, his famous friends, his family, and his artistic career. Still, it doesn't matter if he is recounting being awestruck by Frank Sinatra, disagreeing with Columbia Records honcho Clive Davis, or lamenting overindulgence on drugs and alcohol, he remains Zen-like in his delivery. Though slight and not a full account, Bennett's tips for happiness, success, and longevity are like music to the ears.
Customer Reviews
Very good
Just bought the book at Target for 20.99 opened it up and read the first whole chapter in the store. After that had to buy it. Godbless tony, I felt what he said that if your hearts not in to something you'll fail at it. That's what I'm kinda like I notice.