Tony Bennett has performed all over the world and thrilled U.S. presidents, kings and queens and other world leaders and corporate CEOS with the voice Frank Sinatra himself often said belonged to his own favorite singer. Once again Chicago-area fans of the American Songbook’s huge advocate will get a chance to see and hear the seemingly ageless Bennett as the 87-year-young classy crooner returns to Ravinia Thursday night.
During a recent chat, Bennett reflected on his long career, how he’s now “paying-it-forward” to future generations of artists, and his unlikely friendship with Lady Gaga.
Q: Clearly you and the Ravinia Festival have a good, long relationship. Why do you enjoy playing Ravinia so much?
A: You know, I think it’s going to be the 32nd time — and I ‘ve previously played there 31 times and for 31 times I’ve been sold out every single time. So what I love is that loyal audience! I mean, an entertainer can’t ask for more that that. It’s over-the-top, if you know what I mean.
Q: I know that your Exploring the Arts charity is so important to you, because what it does to support arts education. How’s that going?
A: My wife [Susan] and I started supporting performing arts in public schools around America — starting with the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, which we opened in 2001. Now we have 17 schools, with three of them now in Los Angeles.
Q: I understand that your idea for this program was somewhat inspired by something you saw here in Chicago?
A: That’s right. That’s where it started. A number of years ago I was back in Chicago and happened to see these art students selling their wares on the street [at Block 37], in a program started by [the late] Maggie Daley, the wife of your mayor. I went back to New York and said, ‘I just saw something so unusual. These young artists selling their artwork on the street and getting good prices! They looked so beautiful and happy.’
So, one of the teachers I know in New York said, ‘Why don’t you start a school in New York that would help kids do things like that?’
We did and the Sinatra School was the result. I’m proud to say that the school is one of the top schools in New York — with a 99% graduation rate, all going on to college.
Q: Tony, what is your secret to maintaining your “instrument” — your voice — enabling you to maintain you career far longer than most singers.
A: I learned an important lesson when I was very young — right after I got out of the service at the end of the Second World War. I joined the American Theatre Wing and they gave us the best training and it really paid off. Most important, we were taught to never compromise and only focus on quality — both with the material and how we presented it.
I have kept that promise always and it’s proved to be great. By keeping doing things of quality, you never go out of fashion. We just put out an album with Dave Brubeck — things we did 50 years ago for President Kennedy. You know what? It’s number one on the jazz charts.
Q: You also have become close to younger singers and made your duets albums with many of the hottest performers out there today. Is that another way you’ve kept yourself relevant?
A: I’ll give you a little tip. That Lady Gaga is the most phenomenal performer. I mean she really is an artist. She’s got a lot on the ball. She can do it all. She’s a fabulous musician and she sings beautifully. The same is true of Alicia Keys and, of course, Queen Latifah. That’s a lot of great talent out there. I love John Mayer, he’s one of my favorites — he’s a terrific star. He’s got a new album that just came out and — not surprising — it’s wonderful.
