Unbreakable Bonds: Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga's Heartwarming Friendship Journey in Candid Photos
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga share a remarkable friendship that has resulted in numerous award-winning collaborations Their bond has grown stronger over the years, with heartwarming moments captured in these photos from 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2021
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga formed a lasting friendship that endured for years. Their journey began with an unexpected encounter at a prestigious gala in New York City back in 2011. It was during this event that their musical collaboration took flight, as they performed the iconic track "The Lady Is a Tramp" for Bennett's Duets II album. Building on the success of their initial collaboration, Bennett and Gaga went on to release their first collaborative album, Cheek to Cheek, in 2014. This remarkable achievement not only set the stage for a global tour but also garnered them a Grammy Award for the best traditional pop vocal album.
Bennett expressed his admiration for Gaga's talent, stating in a 2014 interview with Parade, "When I heard Lady perform for the first time, I was astounded by the audience's reaction. My immediate response was, 'Let's collaborate on an album.' And without hesitation, she agreed. I truly appreciate her contributions to our album Cheek to Cheek. She is on par with the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, the greatest singer in the world."
In return, Gaga commended Bennett for the transformative impact he had on her perspective on life.
"Admitting to the outlet at the time, she revealed that six months ago, singing was the last thing she wanted to do. Reflecting on a conversation with Tony, she confessed that he had never experienced such a lack of desire in his own career, which deeply affected her. She expressed her gratitude to Tony, emphasizing that he saved her life as she was consumed by sadness, insomnia, and a sense of lifelessness. Spending time with him rekindled her spirit, as he sought nothing more than her friendship and her talent."
"In July 2023, the news of Bennett's passing in New York at the age of 96 was made known. It was two years prior to his passing that Gaga stood by his side for his final concert."
Scroll down to relive Bennett and Gaga’s sweet friendship moments:
Credit: Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s Sweetest Friendship Moments Through the Years: Photos
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga developed a strong bond that lasted for numerous years. Their friendship began unexpectedly at a prestigious gala event in New York City back in 2011. Soon after, they joined forces musically and presented their first collaboration, a rendition of "The Lady Is a Tramp," which featured on Bennett's Duets II album. This successful partnership led to the release of their inaugural joint album, Cheek to Cheek, in 2014. The album's popularity propelled them to embark on a global tour and earned them a Grammy award for the best traditional pop vocal album.
Bennett expressed his admiration for Gaga's talent, stating in a 2014 interview with Parade, "When I heard Lady perform for the first time, I was blown away by the audience's reaction. My immediate response was, 'Let's collaborate on an album.' And she agreed without hesitation. I truly appreciate her contributions to our album, Cheek to Cheek. She ranks alongside Ella Fitzgerald, who was widely regarded as the world's greatest singer."
Gaga, on the other hand, credited Bennett with positively influencing her perspective on life.
"She confessed to the outlet that just six months ago, her desire to sing had completely vanished. It was a painful moment when Tony revealed that he had never experienced that lack of passion throughout his entire career. At that time, she didn't share the same sentiment. Every day, she thanks Tony for saving her life, as she was overwhelmed with sadness, sleeplessness, and a sense of lifelessness. Spending ample time with Tony changed everything – he sought only her friendship and her voice."
"In July 2023, the news reverberated that Bennett had passed away in New York at the age of 96. Two years prior to his departure, he had his final concert, with Gaga by his side."
Scroll down to relive Bennett and Gaga's sweet friendship moments:
Credit: Julien Warnand/EPA/Shutterstock
2014
Bennett and Gaga met at the Robin Hood Foundation Gala in 2011. Three years later, they performed songs from their Cheek to Cheek album at Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium.
Credit: Amy Harris/Shutterstock
2014
The twosome performed together on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas.
Credit: Phil McCarten/UPI/Shutterstock
2015
Bennett and Gaga were all smiles while celebrating their first Grammy win as a duet.
Credit: Shutterstock
2015
Bennett and Gaga joined forced to perform together at a benefit concert in Royal Albert Hall. They later posed for a photo with Prince Harry.
Credit: Mediapunch/Shutterstock
2016
The duo were photographed lighting up the Empire State Building at an event.
Credit: Splash News
2021
After the release of their second debut album, Love For Sale, Bennett and Gaga earned nominations for six Grammy Awards. They emerged victorious in the categories of Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Non-Classical Engineered Album.
Credit: CBS
2021
Bennett and Gaga's last musical partnership took place at Radio City Music Hall.
"Whenever that music starts playing... something happens to him," Gaga revealed in an October 2021 interview with 60 Minutes. "He's fully in control and knows exactly what he's doing. My main priority is to ensure that I don't hinder his talent."
She remarked, "Observing someone undergo a transformation is truly difficult. However, what has truly astounded me is witnessing the impact it has had on him, while simultaneously realizing that his talent remains unaffected. It is evident that he has successfully navigated through a challenging journey in order to demonstrate to the world that change is possible without compromising magnificence."
