Legendary New York singer Tony Bennett has died at the age of 96, with figures from across the world of music and entertainment paying tribute to the late star.
Bennett died at home on Friday, July 21 aged 96, with a statement posted on his Twitter account reading: "Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was Because of You, his first #1 hit.
"Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever."
No cause of death has been confirmed, although in 2016 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by four children: Danny, Dae, Joanna and Antonia, as well as his wife Susan Crow.
Throughout his eight decade-long career, Bennett scored numerous hits such as The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul, and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco), and performed and collaborated with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Frank Sinatra, who once described him as “the best singer in the business”. He sold millions of records and was honoured with 20 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bennett also collaborated with several younger artists and was a great champion of new talent. Among those with whom he worked include George Michael, Amy Winehouse, Queen Latifah and Carrie Underwood. In 2014 he released a joint album with Lady Gaga called Cheek To Cheek, which went to No. 1 in the US and in turn made him the oldest living act to top the US charts at the age of 88.
Many fellow artists and contemporaries have been paying their respects to Bennett, with several sharing tributes on social media.
Sir Elton John posted on Instagram: "Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see. He's irreplaceable. I loved and adored him. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family."
Singer Carole King said: "RIP Tony Bennett. Such a big loss. Deepest sympathy to his family and the world."
In a statement to Rolling Stone, singer Billy Joel said: "Tony Bennett was the one of the most important interpreters of American popular song during the mid to late 20th Century.
"He championed songwriters who might otherwise have remained unknown to many millions of music fans. His was a unique voice that made the transition from the era of Jazz into the age of Pop.
"I will always be grateful for his outstanding contribution to the art of contemporary music. He was a joy to work with. His energy and enthusiasm for the material he was performing was infectious. He was also one of the nicest human beings I've ever known.”
Film director Martin Scorsese also commented: "Tony Bennett was a consummate artist. All you have to do is listen to any one of his hundreds of recordings to recognise that.
"Very early on, his music quietly wove itself into the fabric of our lives. His voice felt as familiar and as close as the voices of our loved ones. I know that this was true for millions of people around the world."
Nile Rodgers said: "My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett's family and friends."
The BBC is also giving listeners the chance to revisit Tony Bennett Presents The Great American Songbook, in which Bennett guides Radio 2 through his selection of 40 songs from the Great American Songbook. Click here to listen.