Tony Bennett’s daughter Antonia gushed about her late father’s “special relationship” with musical powerhouse Lady Gaga as she discussed the most important advice she received from the beloved jazz singer.
Tony died in July this year aged 96, seven years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Speaking exclusively to , Antonia, 49, revealed that although she hasn’t seen Gaga recently, she is so “happy” that her father has struck up a friendship with the Poker Face singer.
“The last time I saw her was on my dad’s birthday,” she said. “But she is beautiful. They had such a special relationship and I’m so lucky they had each other.”
Tony Bennett’s daughter Antonia has spoken openly about carrying on her father’s musical legacy by furthering her own music career with a special performance at New York’s Dizzy Club
Tony’s unlikely friendship with 37-year-old Lady Gaga endeared him to a new legion of fans, as the duo recorded two albums together: Cheek To Cheek (2014) and Love For Sale (2021).
Antonia has performed for her father in more than 25 venues around the world, with the father-daughter duo sharing the stage together
Tony struck up an unlikely friendship with Lady Gaga, 37, which endeared him to a new legion of fans. The duo recorded two albums together – “Cheek To Cheek” (2014) and “Love For Sale” (2021).
The first record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went on to win a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Her second was recorded over two years from 2018 to 2020, when Bennett was already in decline following his diagnosis in 2016.
Antonia is preparing for her solo debut tonight at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
During the performance, the Right On Time singer will be joined by the Todd Hunter Trio, who will perform a mix of classic tracks from the Great American Songbook as well as her own original songs.
Antonia, whose mother is actress Sandra Grant, admitted it would be bittersweet if her father wasn’t there to witness the moment – but revealed the advice she will remember when she takes the stage.
“He would say, ‘Before you sing the word love, make sure you mean it.’ Before you open your mouth and say the word, make sure you really feel it,” she recalls. “It sounds very simple, but they are good things, good advice, because it is important to always remain faithful.”
“He was always super supportive and wasn’t the type of person to give a lot of direct advice.” He said very simple things like: You have to leave it to the audience.
The music legend died in July aged 96 after an eight-decade career – pictured with Antonia in February 2012
As Antonia continues to grieve the loss of her father, she explains that it brings her joy when fans come forward to share memories of her father
“When the audience is having fun. Then you have to notice it, see it and let it rest there.’
When asked what his father would think of her performing alone, she continued: “I think he would be so happy if I continued with my performance.” But we’ve worked together for so many years that I really do I feel like he got to see me perform quite often. And we have so many beautiful shared emotions and experiences together.”
Reflecting on how she has used the power of her grief to enhance her performances, she added: “As a performer, having emotions is not a bad thing.” Sometimes you have to choose between the technique or the emotion.
“I always try to go for the emotion because I think people get it and want to have a shared experience with you.”
Antonia said she found comfort in fans who came forward to share stories and memories of her late father.
She said: “It’s amazing how much love comes from other people.” Sometimes people think they’re bothering me, but actually it’s so nice, especially right now, to have these stories and hear them. It really means a lot.’
Antonia revealed that although she hadn’t seen the singer since her father’s birthday, she was very happy about the relationship he maintained with the hitmaker
Likewise, Antonia finds solace in doing what she and her father loved so much – performing.
Sharing her excitement about her upcoming shows, the singer gushed, “Honestly, I’m just really excited to get out there and do it again. “I really love my job. So any opportunity I get to just go out and do my thing is a real blessing.”
Gaga was one of many who paid a moving tribute to Tony upon his death
Elsewhere, the music legend’s youngest daughter admitted she will “never say never” when it comes to recording a duet with her late father using AI technology in the future.
Although she performed for her father in more than 25 venues around the world, the couple officially recorded only one duet together for his 2008 album “A Swingin’ Christmas.”
When discussing whether she would be against using technology to incorporate her father’s vocals into future tracks, Antonia teased: “I mean, I never say never, but I haven’t really thought much about it.”
As to whether the couple could appear on stage together again with the help of holograms, she added: “Who knows?”
Tony has children Danny (69) and Dae (68) with his first wife Patricia Beech and daughters Joanna (53) and Antonia (49) with his second wife Sandra.
The legendary crooner not only performed alongside Antonia over the years, but was also managed by one of his sons while the other worked as a music producer.
When discussing the idea of using AI technology to incorporate her father’s vocals into future tracks, Antonia teased: “I mean, I never say never, but I haven’t really thought much about it.”
Antonia reflected on how naturally she decided to follow in her father’s musical footsteps: “It was a natural progression.” As soon as I could walk and talk, I started going on stage with him, and I’ve always done that.
“Then I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and I think it was natural at that point.”
It turns out her father did his best to really highlight the potential difficulties of following in his footsteps, adding: “He would tell me things like, ‘Are you really sure that’s what.’ you want? You know, that’s you.” I’ll be traveling a lot.
“But by that point I had already spent so much time on the road and on stage that it just seemed like a natural progression and wasn’t too difficult for me.”
In recent years, children of top artists have become regulars on their parents’ stage.
Beyoncé was joined by her daughter Blue Ivy for a regular dance segment on her Renaissance World Tour, while Pink brought her daughter Willow for a duet as part of her Trustfall Tour.
Antonia and her sister Joanna, pictured with Tony in September 2016
Speaking about the “special experience”, Antonia explained: “Just recently I saw Dionne Warwick singing with her granddaughter and I thought, ‘This is so beautiful, you know, and it’s so special.’
“It’s such a special experience that not many people get to have.”
Now that Antonia is forging her own path with renewed vigor, the singer admitted she’s more than happy to “step in.” [her father’s] light’ as a continuation of his musical legacy.
“I think the most important thing is to keep creating, keep being creative and keep singing the music that I love,” she explained. “Continue writing songs, finding joy in things and being inspired by the things around us and not taking things for granted. That’s really what I hope to continue doing.”