Tony Bennett: 50 Years Of Grammys

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Columbia Records) Tony Bennett earned his 16th and 17th Grammys last night with wins in both categories he was nominated for : Best Traditional Pop Album for DUETS II and Best Vocal Collaboration with Duo or Group for "Body and Soul," his duet with the late Amy Winehouse. Amy Winehouse's parents, Mitch and Janis, joined Bennett on stage to accept the Grammy Award on behalf of their daughter, who passed away last year and whose last recording was her duet with Tony.

Bennett is the only artist to have a 50 year span of Grammy wins, having garnered his first Grammy Award in 1962 for Record of the Year with his signature song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Bennett appeared on last night's Grammy telecast with Carrie Underwood performing the song "It Had To Be You," from the DUETS II CD and the two were presenters for the Best New Artist Category.

DUETS II also earned a third Grammy last night for Jorge Calandrelli in the Best Instrument Arrangement with Vocal category for his work on "Who Can I Turn To?," Tony Bennett's duet with Queen Latifah.

Bennett celebrates another 50 year milestone this year with the anniversary of the recording and release of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and will be honored by the City by the Bay in a ceremony to be held at San Francisco's City Hall on Valentines Day where it will be declared TONY BENNETT DAY.

Tony Bennett's DUETS II was released last fall in celebration of the singer's 85th birthday and featured Tony performing his greatest hits with today's biggest stars including Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli and Faith Hill. Bennett made music history when the CD debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts making him the oldest artist to ever achieve a #1 recording.

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