[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Page 27288]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 THE KENNEDY CENTER HONORS TONY BENNETT

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I welcome the opportunity to join in 
commending one of America's greatest artists who will receive a Kennedy 
Center Honors Award next month. Tony Bennett is renowned and revered by 
millions because of his extraordinary talent and outstanding musical 
career which spans a half century, and he will always be a part of 
America's musical legacy. His performances are part of our national 
songbook--tunes each of us know by heart and love to hear time and 
again.
  His distinctive voice and inspiring interpretations have set the 
standard for musical artists across the years. His signature song, ``I 
Left My Heart in San Francisco,'' was released over 40 years ago, but 
it is as fresh today as it was in 1962, the year it won three Grammy 
awards.
  His album ``MTV Unplugged'' captured the hearts of a new generation 
and was awarded a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1994. It was also one 
of the most successful recordings in a career that includes countless 
other musical awards and achievements.
  He has left his heart in communities far beyond San Francisco. Still 
today, he remains forever young at heart, as one of America's most 
beloved musical icons who continues to entertain us and enrich all our 
lives.
  It is gratifying to know that his remarkable career will be 
recognized in the Honors Awards celebration at the Kennedy Center next 
month as a tribute to his enduring contributions to our national 
cultural heritage.
  Countless lives have been touched by his artistry. This year at the 
Kennedy Center Honors, the country will have the opportunity to thank 
him for all that he has done so well for so long.

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