The famous American singer Tony Bennett passed away at the age of 96, reports ‘Associated Press’.

He died in his native New York, the reason is not mentioned. In 2016, the singer was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bennett often liked to repeat that his goal in life was to create a collection of hits, not to have hit records.

Released more than 70 albums, which brought him 19 Grammys. During his career, he managed to sell more than 50 million records.

In a 1965 Life magazine interview, Frank Sinatra said: ‘Tony Bennett is the best performer, he influences

me and moves me to the bottom of my soul. He is one of the singers who manages to convey the composer’s idea and, perhaps, even more.’

Bennett was also an artist and signed the paintings with his real name, Anthony Benedetto; Some of his paintings are kept in the Smithsonian American Museum.