I Left My Heart in San Francisco [An American Classic Celebrates 80]

Performer: Tony Bennett
Producer: Ernie Altschuler; Mitch Miller; Al Ham
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Also available in a 3-pack with THE ART OF EXCELLENCE and ASTORIA: PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST. Personnel: Tony Bennett (vocals); Candido . Fully a decade after his first top hits, the enormous success of 1962's " I Left My Heart In San Francisco" finally established Tony Bennett as the preeminent male singer of his generation. While some of the tunes here might not be as distinguished as later work, (where Bennett would be able to excercise more clout) there are substantial offerings such as the near-transcendent "Once Upon A Time" and a thoughtful reprise of Nat "King" Cole's "Smile," complete with a lovely wordless soprano floating somewhere in the background. By this time, Bennett's slightly grainy baritone was a perfectly refined instrument; the increased confidence permeating his second interpretation of Cole Porter's "Love For Sale" (first heard on 1957's THE BEAT OF MY HEART) is infectious. A playful, off-meter reading of Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh's aptly titled "The Best Is Yet To Come" closes the set in high style.

One of the finest voices of 20th century American pop, Tony Bennett began his career in the '50s, under the watchful eye of producer Mitch Miller, recording huge hits such as "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," and "Because of You." In 1958, his album BASIE SWINGS-BENNETT SINGS was a precursor to later jazz-based work. That same year, "Firefly" was Bennett's last US Top 40 entry until 1962, when he made a major comeback with the Grammy-winning "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." In '93 and '94 he was awarded Grammys for his albums PERFECTLY FRANK and STEPPIN' OUT.

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