Life is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett

In this beautiful and rich New York Times bestselling retrospective, the entertainment icon shares with his fans the life lessons he has learned throughout a career that spanned six decades. Illustrated with Bennett’s own hand-drawn artwork, Life Is a Gift is a work that will captivate, delight, and be cherished by fans and music lovers of all ages.

“Writing in the same style as he sings. . . Tony Bennett shares countless tales about showbiz, his famous friends, his family, and his artistic career. . . . [His] tips for happiness, success, and longevity are like music to the ears.” — Publishers Weekly

Legendary singer, artist, and performer Tony Bennett was one of the world's most beloved entertainers for more than six decades. From the 78 to the LP to the digital age, Tony did it all. Decade after decade, this artistic icon—who won twenty Grammys, sung for ten presidents, and performed for royalty—refused to compromise his vision or values. Even now, Bennett's popularity grows as new generations discover his timeless songs and incredible voice.

In this entertaining and thoughtful memoir, Bennett shares stories of friends and family and the essential lessons they taught him: of the value of hard work and of creating art that continues to inspire; of perseverance and a dedication to excellence; of the necessity of humility, love, respect, and, most important, gratitude. He pays tribute to all the remarkable talents he has had the honor to work with and to learn from, including Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and others.