Tony Bennett, known worldwide for his 1960s hit “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” received special recognition on Saturday, June 2. A city block in San Francisco was cordoned off while dignitaries and area residents gathered to honor Bennett, naming a street in front of the Fairmont Hotel “Tony Bennett Way.” The sign’s designation is the 900 block of Mason Street, the San Francisco Gate and NBC reported.

San Francisco is familiar with honoring Bennett. A statue was dedicated to him in 2016, recognizing his 90th birthday. For the man who left his heart in the city, it was befitting that he was honored while alive at the hotel where he devoted decades to wowing audiences with his signature tune in the Fairmont Hotel’s Venetian Room.

This reporter was fortunate to have seen Bennett during a performance at the Fairmont Hotel. The audience could not seem to get enough of Bennett, whose voice was smooth and flawless. Though not familiar with his songs before seeing him perform live, and as a birthday gift, the fact that his eloquent performance was as exquisite as the ambiance made the event all the more memorable.

Accomplished singer’s accolades include 19 Grammy Awards

Bennett, who has performed with an A-list range of singers, such as Lady Gaga in contemporary times, does not diminish possibly lesser-known facets of his life.

He has not only had an illustrious career making music and singing to the tune of 19 Grammy Awards, he also provided service to the United States when he was drafted during World War II, according to a treasure trove of information cited at Bennett’s domain, tonybennett.com.

Bennett served in the Army during the later stages of the war and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Let’s not stop there, however. He also assisted in liberating a concentration camp and marched in Selma, Alabama, with Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights movement.

Tony Bennett continues touring

The Energizer Bunny has nothing on Bennett. At 91-years-old, he still tours. Bennett will be performing on June 6 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon, and at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Pasa Robles, California, on June 9, for instance.

His tour dates extend into September and the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois.

While Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, he also won the city’s heart, reflected by the honor presented to him in the City by the Bay.

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