Staying Fit
Hundreds of items from legendary singer Tony Bennett’s estate will be auctioned off this week through Julien’s Auctions, an auction house that specializes in music, film and celebrity memorabilia. Advanced bidding is underway.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
Bennett, who died on July 21, 2023, at the age of 96, was perhaps best known for the 1962 hit “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” which ranks 23rd on the Recording Industry Association of America’s list of the most historically significant songs of the 20th century. His long career as a performer of traditional pop standards, big band music, show tunes and jazz also included art. Bennett was an avid painter, who tried to hone his craft daily. Bennett’s paintings were exhibited in galleries around the globe, and several of his pieces are in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and the National Arts Club in New York City. Bennett struggled with Alzheimer’s disease after being diagnosed in 2016.
“Tony Bennett’s life mirrored America’s cultural, social and political history. This is reflected in these unique and priceless items that act as markers of his life and more” said a statement by Olivier Chastan, founder and CEO of Iconoclast, an artist and brand development company that acquired and manages Bennett’s legacy. “This incredible collection speaks to Tony’s creative genius and his positive impact on others and the world.”
Though the auction has a lot of high-priced items, including a Rolex 18K Gold and Diamond Day and Date wristwatch with a bid of $27,500, there are 14 items with an estimated value of $100 to $200 each, including these 10, as described by Julien’s Auctions.
1. Enrico Caruso gramophone record
Description: A gramophone record of Enrico Caruso “O Sole Mio” that was displayed in Bennett’s media room. The first record Bennett bought was by Caruso.
2. New York skyline sample serving collection
Description: A sample collection of four coffee mugs, one tray and four small plates with Tony Bennett’s New York skyline motif. Each piece is marked “Sample” and ... branded “Cordon Bleu” to the bottom. Accompanied by a small rectangular dish with Bennett’s New York skyline branded “John Derian Custom.”
More From AARP
How to Protect What You Collect
Tips for caring for your collectibles, including proper organization, accurately assessing the value and more
The Top 8 Reasons Tony Bennett Will Never Leave Our Hearts
See if you don’t fall even more in love with the legend who caps his career at 95 with a new album and a slew of specials
10 Best Things to Buy at Estate Sales
Iconic style and top quality at low prices
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Reunite for Radio City Performances
Pair of concerts will celebrate his 95th birthday