Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett

Legendary singer, artist, and performer Tony Bennett was one of the world's most beloved entertainers for more than six decades. From the 78 to the LP to the digital age, Tony did it all. Decade after decade, this artistic icon—who won twenty Grammys, sung for ten presidents, and performed for royalty—refused to compromise his vision or values. Even now, Bennett's popularity grows as new generations discover his timeless songs and incredible voice.

In this entertaining and thoughtful memoir, Bennett shares stories of friends and family and the essential lessons they taught him: of the value of hard work and of creating art that continues to inspire; of perseverance and a dedication to excellence; of the necessity of humility, love, respect, and, most important, gratitude. He pays tribute to all the remarkable talents he has had the honor to work with and to learn from, including Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and others.

What is the secret to a six-decade career and a life filled with joy? In these pages, Tony Bennett shares his personal philosophy:

• The Zen of Bennett: Discover the core philosophy that guided his career—a dedication to quality, refusing to compromise, and why he’s "never worked a day in my life."
• Wisdom and Gratitude: Heartfelt lessons on the importance of humility, respect, and gratitude learned from his family and his time serving in World War II.
• Lessons from Legends: Unforgettable personal stories and advice from his friendships with Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Judy Garland, Lady Gaga, and many more.
• A Life in Art and Music: A behind-the-scenes look at his approach to both singing and painting, illustrated with his own beautiful, hand-drawn artwork.