Life Is a Gift

The Zen of Bennett

By: Tony Bennett

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

A moving and inspiring memoir from one of the greatest musical artists of all time.

"My given name is Anthony Dominick Benedetto, and Benedetto in Italian means 'the blessed one'. I couldn't say it any better than that," says Tony Bennett.

Legendary singer, artist, and performer, Tony Bennett has been one of the world's most beloved entertainers for more than six decades. From the 78 to the LP to the digital age, Tony has done it all and is still at the top of his game. In decade after decade, this artistic icon - who has won 17 Grammys, sung for 10 presidents, and performed for royalty - has refused to compromise his vision or values. His unwavering commitment to quality has helped him stay true to his classic sound and is the reason his music continues to endure. Mentored by such legends as Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole, Bennett has only gotten better with age, and his popularity continues to grow as each new generation discovers his timeless songs and incredible voice.

In this entertaining and thoughtful memoir, a collection of soulful reflections and philosophies from his life and career, Bennett shares stories of friends and family and the essential lessons they have taught him: of the value of hard work and of creating art that continues to inspire; of perseverance and a dedication to excellence; of the necessity of humility, love, respect, and, most important, gratitude. Bennett cherishes the passion and insatiable thirst for knowledge that have shaped his life and made each day a journey of discovery. He pays tribute to all the remarkable talents he has had the honor to work with and to learn from, including Luciano Pavarotti, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Willie Nelson, Lady Gaga, David Hockney, and k.d. lang, to name just a few.

A magnificent testament to an extraordinary man and his art, and featuring a PDF with Tony Bennett's own beautiful hand-drawn artwork, Life Is a Gift is a work that will captivate, delight, and be cherished by music lovers of all ages.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2012 Tony Bennett (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Bennett and Mantegna make an awesome duo!

What made the experience of listening to Life Is a Gift the most enjoyable?

Easy listening and heartfelt. It felt like he was telling me his story.

What did you like best about this story?

Tony's praise of all the people in his life.

Have you listened to any of Joe Mantegna’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first but I intend on listening to many others! Great voice and reader!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco!"

Joe did it masterfully...once again

A joy to listen to! Joe is a master narrator that makes every audiobook he narrates look effortless and full of joy.