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Mr. Tony Bennett
Well over a decade ago, I had both the honor and the privilege for Tony Bennett to attend a private concert that I executive produced, produced, musically directed, and performed in. It was organized by my writing partner/mentee at the time as well as our close friend, John Kluge Jr. There was a lot of pressure to deliver because of the caliber of the audience members for whom I made sure not to disappoint. It was held in an off-Broadway theater that was magnificent in every sense of the word. It was simple but elegant and sonically treated for Broadway plays. This made it extra challenging to instruct all band members, including the cellists and violinists, to play much softer than they were used to playing but with the same intensity, which can be very difficult for most musicians. Mr. Bennett was so impressed with the accuracy and quality of our performance that he jumped up on stage in the middle of the concert — and I literally mean in the middle of us playing — and took over the entire show. He took the mic, the band quieted, and Mr. Bennett said:
“Love. It’s the only thing that works.”
Everyone was in awe for several reasons at that moment. It was an unforgettable moment, not just because of what was being said but who was saying it and, most importantly, how it was said.
This man is not just an icon for all he has accomplished for the entertainment world and its business but for the love he provided the world on all levels. Whether it be on stage with Frank Sinatra or a no-name young kid like me willing his hopes and aspirations into existence, Tony Bennett’s love, magnitude, effortless charisma, humor, passion, wisdom, and charm are as unforgettable as they are infectious. There is none other like Mr. Bennett, as his life demonstrates from its beginning to its end that, “love is the only thing that works.”
