One of my favorite singers, Anthony Dominick Benedetto (better known as Tony Bennett), passed away yesterday after a seven decade career. He was on the right side of history (he participated in the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965 and other progressive causes), and the right side of music (his skills with jazz vocals and the American Songbook brought him many new fans as he bridged his skilled crooning into the 21st century). While his career making hit was “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” he was a product of Italian immigrants born in the Bronx. I was fortunate to see him perform live close up and meet him briefly when he performed at the Jazz at Lincoln Center that I helped to open. I am fortunate to have many CDs of his work which will keep me company. He will never be replaced and will always be missed. I’m confident he is headlining tonight at Heaven’s best venue.