Tony Bennett turns 80, tops the charts

NEWS RELEASE

SONY BMG MUSIC (CANADA) INC

*************************
Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic debuts at No.1 In Canada

Legendary singer celebrates his 80th birthday with his highest-debut and highest-peaking album

Enters the US Billboard TOP 200 at No.3

TORONTO, Oct. 4 - Tony Bennett fans have given the legendary performer his biggest 80th birthday present to-date as the singer's new album, Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic, enters Nielsen's Soundscan in the No.1 position.

This marks the singer's first No.1 in the history of the chart.

Released on September 26, Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic, (RPM Records/ Columbia Records) reprises some of the best-loved songs in Tony's repertoire as duets performed with some of the top names in contemporary music: Bono, Michael Bublé, Elvis Costello, Celine Dion, Dixie Chicks, Billy Joel, Elton John, Juanes, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, John Legend, Paul McCartney, Tim McGraw, George Michael, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder.

"This is a true testament to the artistry, longevity and popularity of Mr. Bennett," commented Lisa Zbitnew, President Sony BMG Music (Canada) Inc. "He has delivered an incredible record and continues to support his Canadian fans. They've responded overwhelmingly!"

Danny Bennett, Tony's son and manager, commented, "This overwhelming response is something that Tony and I both view as confirmation that the music of the Great American Songbook - which Tony has championed with such passion
and dedication throughout his career - has a far-reaching and enthusiastic audience. The fact that Tony recorded the songs live with such an incredible array of artists created a unique focus for this fantastic project."

Recent appearances on CTV's Canadian Idol, NBC's Today show (with Billy Joel the Friday before the album's release date and with Michael Bublé the day after the album's release) and CBS' Late Show With David Letterman (where Tony was joined by Elvis Costello) fueled CD sales.

The celebration of Tony Bennett's 80th birthday and the success of Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic, will continue in November with the prime-time special broadcast of Tony Bennett: An American Classic.

Tony Bennett: An American Classic is directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago and Memoirs of a Geisha) and his Oscar-winning team and features Tony performing with Christina Aguilera, Michael Bublé, John Legend, Elton John, Juanes, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Barbra Streisand and Stevie Wonder.

Each musical segment includes choreography, dancers, and stunning set designs.

Narrative introductions on Tony's career were contributed by Billy Crystal, Robert DeNiro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, John Travolta and Bruce Willis.

Other special events surrounding Tony's 80th birthday include an all-star tribute to Tony hosted by Paul Newman, Billy Crystal, George Clooney and Bruce Willis to be held on November 9 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles as a benefit for Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang camp program.

In addition, Tony Bennett will receive this year's Billboard Century Award, in honor of his outstanding musical achievements, during a live presentation to be broadcast on the FOX network on December 4 from Las Vegas.

***************************
More SooToday.com entertainment headlines