[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2433-E2434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TONY BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
Icon of American Culture and one of our country's finest citizens, Tony 
Bennett. Much has already been said and written about the life and work 
of Tony Bennett, but I am honored to have the opportunity to say a few 
words about my friend here.
  Tony has been a part of the experience of being an American for the 
last six decades. His arrival as a force in our culture was announced 
nearly seventy years ago at the opening of the Triborough Bridge in New 
York City. At 10 years old, the son of an Italian immigrant and grocery 
store operator, Anthony Dominick Benedetto was invited to sing at a 
ceremony to open the bridge by another famous son of Italy, New York's 
iconic Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. At the time, our country was in the 
midst of a staggering Great Depression, President Roosevelt had begun 
the ``New Deal,'' and that bridge was a concrete symbol that New York 
City, that America, and that Americans, would persevere. The Bridge 
stood as the accomplishment of our American ingenuity, our hard work, 
and our craftsmanship. Looking back, with those values in mind, it is 
altogether fitting that Tony Bennett was there.
  The ingenuity of his voice and his style have transcended generations 
of American music fans. Tony once quipped that he was spoiled because 
he, ``never had to sing songs [he] didn't like.'' But it is generations 
of Americans

[[Page E2434]]

who have been spoiled by a sound that, no matter where or when it is 
heard, is always fresh, always new, and uniquely American.
  As Tony approaches his 80th birthday, he has sold more than 50 
million records, he has won the praise of musicians across the 
spectrum, and been acknowledged by his industry for his lifetime of 
achievement. Yet, he continues to work, bringing enjoyment to thousands 
of fans each year, and winning new ones each day.
  His accomplishments are not limited to just music. He is also an 
accomplished painter in his own right. He is a tireless advocate for 
Juvenile Diabetes research, and the American Cancer Society--each year 
he donates one of his paintings for the ACS holiday card. He has been a 
friend of Presidents and Heads of State, singing at the Inaugural 
festivities for President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and President Bill 
Clinton in 1993.
  Tony has never been afraid to point out injustice and advocate for 
equality. He marched with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 
Selma, Alabama, and was an activist throughout the Civil Rights 
Movement. Coretta Scott King, bestowing the Martin Luther King Center 
Award for Excellence upon Mr. Bennett in 2001, said, ``Tony is not only 
one of America's premier performing artists, but he was a deeply-
committed friend and supporter of my husband and the Civil Rights 
Movement, and he has continued to support the efforts of the King 
Center to fulfill Martin's dream.''
  The list of accomplishments for Tony is innumerable, he has embodied 
the American spirit and he has lived the American dream. I could not be 
more pleased that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has chosen 
to honor Tony Bennett with its highest honors on December 4th, 2005. 
Tony is truly a credit to his Italian heritage, and to the 
contributions of millions of immigrant families who have made this 
country great.
  His story is that of what is possible in America, what is great about 
America, and his life is the embodiment of what it means to be an 
American. In short, Tony Bennett is a national treasure, and it is with 
great pride that I speak today as his friend to say thank you for his 
contribution to our Democracy.

                          ____________________