Tony Bennett
 Tony Bennett has proven to
be one of the most resilient musical talents of the 20th century.
His enduring silky smooth vocals and commitment to jazz-based rhythms
have made him as popular in the 1990s as he was in the 1950s.
1.resilient: adj. 弹回的, 有回弹力的
Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born in Queen, N.Y. in 1926. From
an early age, Bennett worked on his musical craft. As a teenager,
Bennett waited tables and practiced his singing. During WWII Bennett
sang in military bands entertaining the troops in Europe. His training
took place at the American Theatre Wing school. While peforming
with Pearl Bailey, he attracted the attention of comedian
Bob Hope who suggested among other things that the singer change
his name from Joe Bari to Tony Bennett.
1.comedian: n. 喜剧演员
His early fame came in the '50s due to several hit singles released
by Columbia Records, including "Because of You" (1951), "I Won't
Cry Anymore" and a remake of the Hank Williams, Sr. classic, "Cold,
Cold Heart." During the period from 1950 to 1964 Bennett's career
soared with 24 hits making the Top 40. This period was marked by
the Grammy that he won for his hit "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."
It was during this time that Bennett released many of the singles
which have become synonymous with his name including "Stranger
in Paradise," "Just in Time," "There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight"
and the classic "Rags to Riches."
1.synonymous: adj. 同义的
During the '60s and the beginning of the '70s Bennett shifted his
career toward album-oriented recording, with 25 records landing
on the charts in the 10 years between 1962 and 1972. His skill and
talent as a singer are proven not only by the popularity and hits
he garnered but also by the integrity and genius of
those who performed and recorded with him including: Count Basie,
Duke Ellington, Bill Evans, Ray Charles, Ruby Braff, and Woody Herman.
1.garner: v. 储存
2.integrity: n. 正直, 诚实, 完整, 完全, 完整性
In the later part of the '70's and into the 1980's Bennett took
time away from recording to concentrate on performing live, and
to work on his skill as a painter. He ended the sabbatical
with the 1986 release, The Art of Excellence. This album
consisted mainly of Bennett performing with the Ralph Sharon trio.
Included on this album was an eclectic but well-liked duet of Bennett
singing with Ray Charles.
1.sabbatical: adj. 安息日的, 似安息日的, 周期性休息的
Bennett's popularity continued into the 1990's. His album Perfectly
Frank, an LP devoted to the songs of Frank Sinatra, has been
very well received. Generation Xers have become acquainted
with him due to the many alternative artists citing him as musical
influence, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Bennett bolstered
his "alternative" appeal by appearing on "MTV Unplugged" in 1993.
1.acquainted: adj. 有知识的, 知晓的
2.bolster: n. 垫子 v. 支持
|
