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       Tony Bennett’s death at the age of 96 follows a career that first brought him to prominence in the 1950s.

       Anthony Benedetto was born in New York City in 1926 and died there but not before a career that took him around the world and won him legions of new admirers even in his swansong years.

       Collaborations with the likes of Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse showed his constant ability to reinvent himself for new generations.

       A regular visitor to Europe, the singer’s Italian roots in the southern province of Calabria helped him cross boundaries, although after diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 he took a well-earned rest from touring.

       He also dabbled in art but will chiefly be remembered for his singing voice.

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       Bennett had served in the Second World War and still performed until 2021, years after his diagnosis, before finally calling time.

       More about PA Ready Tony Bennett London Lady Gaga Amy Winehouse Bill Clinton Rod Steiger New York City Americans Europe Italian Calabria Shirley Bassey Jazz FM Rockefeller Wimbledon Roundhouse Andrew Parsons Matthew Savoy Hotel

       1/ 1In Pictures: Crooner Tony Bennett stayed at top in career that took off in 1950s

       In Pictures: Crooner Tony Bennett stayed at top in career that took off in 1950s US singer Tony Bennett ahead of a 19-day UK tour in 1971 (Archive/PA)

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