The most detailed ever biography of superstar crooner Tony Bennett has been bought at auction by publisher, John Wiley & Sons. Publishers Weekly reports David Evanier’s “Keeper of the Flame: A Biography of Tony Bennett” is set for release in 2011 to mark the singer’s 85th birthday.
He was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926. The singer’s career got a big break when Bob Hope asked him to join his stage show. Also, the comedian suggested a name change to Tony Bennett. In 1951, Bennett’s first hit, “Because of You,” topped the music charts. In 1962, Bennett recorded, “I left My Heart In San Francisco.” This salute to the City by the Bay became a classic and his signature song.
He has won an armful of grammys and a number of other awards. Several decades after his first hit single, Bennett is still performing and recording; a rare artist whose voice just keeps getting better and better.
