SiriusXM Airs ‘Totally Tony’ Throughout the Weekend

SiriusXM is honoring the legacy of Tony Bennett with Totally Tony on its 40s Junction channel throughout this weekend. Subscribers can listen to channel 71 on radios and the SiriusXM App from Saturday (July 22) through Sunday (July 23) to hear Tony’s classics and more.

Legendary crooner Tony Bennett, best known for his dedication to the American songbook and producing standards such as “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” passed away Friday (July 21) at 96 — just two weeks before his birthday.

The singer died in his hometown of New York, according to multiple reports. There was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

Tony Bennett

Over the years, Bennett — born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926 — garnered praise for his jazz-inspired phrasing and warm onstage persona, with fans from era-spanning fellow singers like Frank Sinatra and Lady Gaga. Having released 70 albums throughout his career, Bennett was the winner of 20 GRAMMY Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as two Primetime Emmys. His final live performances took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 2021 with Lady Gaga.

Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in 1926 in Queens, New York, Bennett began singing at an early age after his mother encouraged him and his siblings to do so at home. In 1944, he was drafted into the US Army, fighting in World War II. He was discharged in 1946 and became a recording artist in 1949.  

Bennett, who was influenced by icons like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Billie Holiday, garnered 41 Grammy nominations over his career and won 19 awards. He collaborated with a range of stars, including Barbra Streisand, John Legend, Paul McCartney, and Carrie Underwood. His final public performance was in August 2021 for two sold-out concerts at Radio City Music Hall with Lady Gaga. Bennett was also inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame and received the United Nations "Citizen of the World" award.

Bennett is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters, Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett, and his nine grandchildren.