Tony Bennett passed away today at the age of 96.

Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra were two iconic singers who had a deep and enduring friendship that spanned several decades. Their bond was rooted in their mutual respect for each other’s talent and artistry. Here is a timeline highlighting some key moments in their friendship:

1950s

Frank Sinatra was already a well-established singer and actor when he met a young Tony Bennett in the 1950s. Sinatra took Bennett under his wing and became a mentor to him, offering advice and support as he navigated the music industry.

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1965

Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra performed together on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1965, showcasing their vocal prowess and camaraderie on stage.

1970s

In the 1970s, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra often crossed paths at various social events and industry functions. They would occasionally perform together at concerts and charity events, delighting audiences with their duets.

1980s

During the 1980s, both Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra continued to enjoy successful careers as legendary singers. They would occasionally praise each other in interviews and public appearances, expressing their admiration for one another’s work.

1994

In 1994, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra recorded a duet of “New York, New York” for Bennett’s “MTV Unplugged” album. The recording showcased their unique vocal styles and brought their friendship to a new generation of music fans.

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May 1998

Frank Sinatra passed away in 1998, but his influence on Tony Bennett’s life and career remained profound.

2001

Bennett and his wife Susan formally opened The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, in 2001 as a tribute to their friend. The pair had the concept in 1999 because they wanted to offer a school that combined academics with art. Students at the performing arts high school have access to studios for vocal instruction, film and video, fine arts, theatre, and dance. Exploring the Arts, a nonprofit Bennett and his wife formed, provides financial assistance for it.

September 2014

In 2014, Bennett released the album “Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek,” which included a posthumous duet of “The Lady Is a Tramp” with Frank Sinatra. This collaboration was a touching tribute to their enduring friendship.

December 2015

In 2015, on the day of Sinatra’s 100th birthday, Bennett wrote a tribute to his closest buddy that was published in LIFE magazine’s special edition publication titled “Sinatra at 100.” Bennett wrote: “Loyalty: That one word overrides anything else you need to know about Sinatra” in it to describe what Sinatra was like as a person.

Throughout the years, Tony Bennett often spoke fondly of his friendship with Frank Sinatra, describing him as a mentor and an inspiration. Their bond was a testament to the power of music in bringing artists together and fostering lifelong friendships. Even after Frank Sinatra’s passing, Tony Bennett continued to honor their friendship and legacy by keeping their memories alive through their shared passion for music.