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Announcing Tony Bennett: A Life Well Lived
A celebration of the life and artistry of Tony Bennett on April 18th and 19th in New York City...
April 13, 2024
Julien’s Auctions, the industry-leading music memorabilia auction house, today announced an exclusive two-day event that promises to be a highlight for music fans and art collectors alike. Titled "TONY BENNETT: A LIFE WELL LIVED," this auction celebrates the legendary career and contributions of the iconic pop jazz vocalist, Tony Bennett. To be held on Thursday, April 18, and Friday, April 19, 2024, the auction will take place in New York City at Jazz At Lincoln Center, following a star-studded gala in honor of Bennett. Whether you attend in person or participate online at juliensauctions.com, prepare to be part of a historic occasion.
In anticipation of this momentous event, Julien’s Auctions is organizing two exhibitions that will showcase highlights from Tony Bennett’s remarkable collection. These exhibitions will be hosted at iconic venues closely associated with Bennett’s illustrious career: the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco from April 8th to 10th, and Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York from April 10th to April 16th. It's a rare opportunity to explore the legacy of a music icon up close and personal.
“Tony Bennett’s life mirrored America’s cultural, social and political history. This is reflected in these unique and priceless items that act as markers of his life and more” said Olivier Chastan, Founder and CEO of Iconoclast, the artist and brand development company which acquired and manages the legacy of the legendary singer and artist. “This incredible collection speaks to Tony’s creative genius and his positive impact on others and the world."
David Goodman, CEO of Julien’s Auctions, said, “The world was blessed beyond words to have had the incomparable Tony Bennett in it. He changed the world with his artistry, humanitarianism, and one-of-a-kind voice that transcended generations. Julien’s is honored to represent his Estate and celebrate Mr. Bennett’s extraordinary legacy at this once in a lifetime auction event."
Tony Bennett's career, spanning eight decades, is a testament to his musical brilliance. From his signature 1962 hit “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” to timeless classics like “Fly Me to the Moon” and unforgettable duets with music icons like Frank Sinatra and Lady Gaga, Bennett's influence on music is unparalleled. Throughout the years, his career soared with platinum albums, Grammy Awards, and collaborations with legends across generations.
In addition to his musical achievements, Tony Bennett was also renowned for his talents as a painter and sketch artist. His works, ranging from landscapes to portraits of fellow musicians and cultural figures, will be showcased alongside ephemera representing his musical legacy. It's an opportunity to appreciate Bennett's multifaceted talent and enduring impact on art and culture.
As fans eagerly await the auction, it's clear that Tony Bennett's legacy extends far beyond his music. His contributions to social justice, recognized through honors such as the Kennedy Center Honoree and MusiCares Person of the Year, further solidify his status as a cultural icon. Many of the items offered in this auction are cherished possessions from Bennett's personal collection, reflecting not just a life well-lived, but a life well-loved.
This event promises to be a moment of celebration and reflection on the extraordinary legacy of Tony Bennett. Whether you're a fan, collector, or admirer of his artistry, mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience.
A typed letter signed with autograph postscript, from Martin Luther King, Jr. dated April 5, 1965. This letter of thanks and appreciation was written eleven days after King led thousands of nonviolent demonstrators to the steps of the capitol in Montgomery, Alabama after a 54 mile march from Selma, Alabama that took five days. Tony Bennet, along with Harry Belafonte and Lena Horne entertained the crowds of demonstrators.
Framed portrait of Tony Bennett featured on the cover of his 2006 album "Duets." Wright, by British artist Ian Wright created using one-inch pins featuring images of Bennett and other musicians.
A portrait created with five color photocopies by David Hockney with inscriptions reading "there is no such thing / as an unlimited edition" and "Color is fugitive in life / like it is in pictures" with additional inscriptions reading, "for Tony Sept 13th 1990"
An in-house record award from Columbia Records for the song that forever cemented a bond between native New Yorker Bennett and San Francisco.
Tony Bennett's Kennedy Center Honor Award, presented to him in 2005 alongside other recipients Tina Turner, Robert Redford, Julie Harris, and Suzanne Farrell, one of our nation’s top honors.
A watercolor on paper painting of Charlie “Bird” Parker with an explosion of color coming from his saxophone.
No sketch pad, no problem! Bennett never let that get in the way of him being able to capture a moment, like this drawing of Barbara Carroll on the back of a table card promoting Barbara Carroll's engagement at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle.
