The friendship between Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett may seem unlikely, as the two were 59 years apart and seemingly opposite to each other: Bennett had been a respected jazz singer for decades, having originally begun her career in the 1950s, while Gaga, at the time their friendship began, was known for her pop songs, flamboyant fashion, and strong personality. But when they dueted together on “The Lady Is a Tramp” for Bennett’s 2011 album “Duets II,” they also struck up a beautiful friendship.
Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett at the Grammys in 2015.
Image: reproduction
A deep friendship developed between the two which lasted for life. Gaga was present for Bennett’s final performance of 2021, and she later revealed how emotional she was when Bennett remembered her name for the first time “in a long time”. Following the success of their first duet, Bennett and Gaga decided to record a full album together. This resulted in her 2014 album, Cheek to Cheek, which won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 2015 Grammys and was released to widespread critical acclaim.
Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett in 2021.
Image: reproduction
They even went on tour together. After Bennett revealed his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in February 2021, he and Gaga performed together for the last time in August 2021 at a special called “One Last Time”. He released a second album, “Love for Sale”, in September 2021. Bennett died on July 21, 2023 at the age of 96. His last Instagram post was a video of him and Gaga performing together.
