Celebrities Who Have Died in 2023

Tony Bennett, 96

Though born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Queens, New York, the world knew him as Tony Bennett.

The crooner was timeless as he performed hits for generations of fans.

His career launched thanks to Bob Hope. The two were touring in the 1950s and it was then that Hope told the young singer to change the stage name he was using, Joe Bari. Bennett decided to shorten his real name and a star was born.

His first hit was "Because of You." It followed with another huge hit, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Bennett would go on to win 18 Grammys. 

But there were struggles along the way.

In the '70s, he dealt with what he described as the "darkest period of his life" while battling drug addiction and financial troubles, which he revealed in his 2011 autobiography, "All the Things You Are: The Life of Tony."

He finally got back on top in the '90s when he did an "Unplugged" performance for MTV. It led to a new generation of fans, and countless performers wanted to duet with him, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Juanes, and Lady Gaga.

In 2014, Bennett and Gaga recorded a joint studio album, "Cheek to Cheek," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Bennett died on July 21 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

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