| Tony Bennett's father was an Italian and his mother American. He studied music and art at the High School of Industrial Arts. At this time Tony Bennett has a tenor voice but it deepened later. When America came into World War II Tony Bennett was in the US Army in the entertainment unit. After his discharge he began working in the clubs, then joined a Pearl Bailey revue in Greenich Village, He used the name Joe Bari at this time, but when he was spotted by Bob Hope, who hired him to sing in his Paramount show, he changed his name to Tony Bennett. In 1950 he auditioned for Columbia Records. A year later he recorded 'Because Of You' and 'Cold, Cold Heart', both topped the US charts. Tony Bennett mainly used Percy Faith and his Orchestra for backing and other hits in the 1950's included 'Rags To Riches', 'Just In Time', 'Stranger In Paradise', 'There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight', 'Cinnamon Sinner', 'Can You Find It In Your Heart' and 'In The Middle Of An Island' |
