Tony Bennett

The "Bennett vs Sinatra debate" is one of those pointless exercises that will never have a clear winner.

****Bennett is just not everyone's cup of tea****

Funny, I always felt that way about Sinatra. Bennett is one of those singers that has that hard-to-explain quality of sincerity; no pretense. It could be argued that Sinatra has the higher level of technical vocal skill. Bennett, even in his prime (and, if one wants to split hairs), demonstrates less than perfect intonation, and perhaps less impeccable control. But, HE CONNECTS with the listener in a clear and simple way; his delivery is unparalleled. For me, Sinatra (especially later in his career) had a certain quality of self-importance in his singing that I find difficult to take. Early Sinatra is a beautiful thing, and his straight forward delivery of a melody has always been a model for all singers AND instrumentalists. But, later in his career that Rat Pack "baby" and "broads" persona became a little hard to take. A little bit like Hugh Heffner spending all day in a silk bath robe; PLEASE ..... I can imagine Bennett singing a lullaby to his grandchild. Sinatra? I'm not so sure.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s8zolmysgDo

Tony, we love you.

Frogman,

I had the chance to see Sinatra twice, very late in his career, and also at Radio City each time. A very different experience, a full orchestra, his son conducting, and a great experience. At the same stage of his career Tony Bennett STILL exudes the sincerity you describe here. I am just glad I have been alive at the time of them both, and then got to see them each perform, multiple times. I feel the same way about Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Jesse Winchester, the list is endless. A bit off-topic, but I tend not to be overly critical, just happy to be able to be a part of it, while I still can do so.

Points all well-made. I also concur with the sincerity bit. Sinatra is darn-near perfect, it's spooky, but Bennett's lyric always cuts through and makes you "feel" what he's singing. He also has crazy breath support that I don't think Sinatra had.

The sense that Bennett is a good human being is palpable, the sense that Sinatra is not, is likewise.