An American Classic

Tony Bennett, left, performs with Michael Buble at the 106.7 Lite FM "One Night With Lite" concert, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006, in New York. Bennett turned 80 on Aug. 3 and has a new album titled "Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic." The album includes performances with Buble, Stevie Wonder, Diana Krall and Elvis Costello and Tim McGraw.

Tony Bennett, left, poses for a photo with Colombian singer Juanes, the only Latin artist who appears on Bennett's new album titled "Duets", which was released on Sept. 26, 2006. Bennett said he's flattered that stars from across the musical spectrum - from Paul McCartney and Billy Joel to the Dixie Chicks and Juanes - interrupted their busy schedules to record with him.

Tony Bennett and girlfriend Susan Crow attend his 80th birthday celebration in New York on Aug. 3, 2006. The singer's music career has spanned more than 50 years, with his first album coming out in 1952.

Bruce Willis and singer Tony Bennett pose for photographers as they attend Bennett's 80th birthday celebration at The Museum of Natural History in New York on Aug. 3, 2006.

Tony Bennett attends his 80th birthday celebration hosted by Target at The Museum of Natural History in New York on Aug. 3, 2006. The singer, originally from Queens, N.Y., has won 13 Grammys.

John Travolta and Kelly Preston stand with Tony Bennett and girlfriend Susan Crow at Bennett's 80th birthday celebration at the Museum of Natural History in New York on Aug. 3, 2006.

Tony Bennett performs live on NBC's "Today" show during a farewell program for Katie Couric in New York on May 31, 2006. The cultural icon's recording career has spanned more than 50 years.

Tony Bennett and longtime girlfriend Susan Crow arrive at the premiere of "United 93" during the Fifth Annual Tribeca Film Festival in New York on April 25, 2006. Despite his hit song "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," Bennett is actually a New York native who grew up in Astoria, Queens.

Kennedy Center honoree Tony Bennett walks the red carpet at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before the start of the 2005 Kennedy Center Honors Gala in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 4, 2005. Bennett's first album, "Because of You," was released in 1952.

Tony Bennett holds the honorary diploma he received from New York's High School of Art and Design during the school's graduation ceremony June 29, 2005. Tony would have graduated from the high school in 1945, but left to support his family by working as a singing waiter.

Paul Newman, left, Julia Roberts and Tony Bennett pose for photographers during a benefit for the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps in New York on April 21, 2005. In addition to Bennett's many performances and television appearances, he has also made cameos in a number of films, appearing as himself in both "Bruce Almighty" and "Analyze This."

Tony Bennett salutes Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai at the concert for Maathai at the Oslo Spectrum in Oslo, Norway, on Dec. 11, 2004. Bennett has donated his time and money to many organizations, so much so that he is sometimes nicknamed "Tony Benefit."

Tony Bennett, his daughter, Antonia, and son, Danny, attend The MusiCares 2004 Person of the Year Tribute to Sting in Culver City, Calif., on Feb. 6, 2003. Bennett was born in New York in 1926, the son of a grocer and a seamstress.

Tony Bennett, left, and Billy Joel perform Joel's song "New York State of Mind" during the 44th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 27, 2002. According to his official bio, Bennett has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.

Tony Bennett, arrives with longtime girlfriend Susan Crow, left, and daughter Antonia at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 21, 2001. Bennett, who was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, was honored with a lifetime achievement award.

Tony Bennett arrives for the funeral of legendary entertainer Frank Sinatra at the Good Shepard Catholic Church in Beverly Hills, Calif., on May 20, 1998. In 2001, Bennett helped open the Frank Sinatra School For The Arts in Queens, N.Y., in tribute to his longtime friend.

Tony Bennett, who celebrated his 80th birthday Aug. 3, 2006, holds his Grammy Award for Best Pop Traditional Performance for "Steppin' Out" at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards on March 1, 1994. The '80s and '90s marked a career comeback for Bennett, who was a chart-topper in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Frank Sinatra, left, poses with Tony Bennett in this July 1980 photo taken in Reno, Nev. Bennett turned 80 on Aug. 3, 2006. The crooner's latest album, "Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic," was released Sept. 26.

Singer Tony Bennett is seen during a recording session at Regent Studios in New York, Nov. 11, 1974. "I'm 80 and I can't believe it's the best year I've ever had," said Bennett. "I couldn't ask for more than I have. But I still have so much to learn."

Singer Tony Bennett is approached by autograph seekers as he leaves a performance on Oct. 4, 1951. Bennett, who turned 80 on Aug. 3, 2006, and has a new album titled "Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic."