Happy 80th Birthday Tony Bennett!

That’s right, Antonio Benedetto turned Eighty Years old earlier this month. I’m just listening to a programme on CBC Radio-2, called “I Hear Music,” and this week the programme is dedicated to Mr. Tony Bennett. In fact, next week will be dedicated to Tony Bennett as well. (I can’t say enough good things about “I Hear Music,” do yourself a favour and tune in. Music lovers, from all genres, will find something interesting and exciting on his show. I’ve heard him play everything from The Black Eyed Peas to Sacred Music, and give insightful commentary on all of the above.)

It’s incredible to hear these recordings of Tony Bennett going back all the way to the 1950’s. In some ways his voice and style have hardly changed at all, and yet in other ways his musicality has grown so much. In any case, someone who has released 66 albums (according to his website) and has been in the music business for 50-some years is incredible!

In celebration of his 80th birthday, Sony records will be releasing a new duets album featuring Tony Bennett with such other musical stars as Sting, Elton John, Elvis Costello, and Bono (among many others). So, here’s a question for you: what is your favorite Tony Bennett recording? Listening to this programme on CBC right now, I don’t know if I can answer that question any more. I certainly don’t have enough background on his extensive catalogue to even come close to making an informed choice. But, all that aside, I have always loved the recording of “Moonglow” with k.d. lang from his MTV Unplugged album (k.d. will also be appearing on the duets album).

So, what’s your fav?