The first-ever single-disc collection to span Tony's five-decade career, Mr. Bennett chose these 20 tracks for “Ultimate Tony” himself, as well as contributed rare photos and commentary in the liner notes.

While Sinatra, Martin and the Rat Pack were busy sacrificing a good measure of their vocal talents in the sordid business of fame and fortune, Tony Bennett was quietly, stubbornly, burnishing his vocal gifts into High, if seemingly effortless, Art. From the pure, nearly operatic power and perfect vibrato he displays on early hits such as “Rags To Riches,” “Stranger In Paradise” and the overly theatrical, borderline kitsch of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” you can literally hear Bennett's voice tempering like the wood of a Stradivarius, his phrasing taking on a deceptively loose, jazz-fueled languor that tells you where his musical heart really lies.

There is no fat on this one! No fillers. This is the creme de le creme of a long career full of tasteful music that has made Tony Bennett a favorite with several generations of listeners.

The album starts off with his signature song, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” Tony's ability to convey the emotions in every subtle nuance of the lyrics to this ballad is rare indeed. He sings with excellent diction, and the piano arrangement is perfect.

“Rags To Riches” features Tony's voice directly in the spotlight and the lush accompaniment enhances the natural beauty of this number. He also sings “Stranger In Paradise” with some great support from some fine backup vocalists. “I Wanna Be Around” is a romantic, emotional love song that couldn't sound any better. His voice is strong and full of warmth. “The Good Life” is utterly charming and cheerful when Tony sings it, and his rendition of “Smile” is deeply affecting in a good way. “Night And Day,” of course, is also a classic and Mr. Bennett swings slowly to perform this with an elegant style all his own. “Blue Velvet” gives us Tony performing in an almost operatic style, and the CD ends with “The Best Is Yet To Come” — a musical testimony to optimism we should all embrace.

He was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in 1928. Its a name he still uses when he signs his paintings, which have been widely acclaimed by art critics. Raised in New York City, he grew up listening to Al Jolson, eddie Cantor, Judy Garland and Bing Crosby as well as jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden and Joe Venuti. His uncle Dick was a tap dancer in vaudeville, giving him an early window into show business. By age 10 he was already singing, and performed at the opening of the Triborough Bridge. Drawing was another early passion and Tony became known as a good caricaturist. He began singing for money at age 13, performing as a singer waiter in several Italian restaurants around his native Queens. He fought in the final stages of World War II as an infantryman with the U.S. Army in the European Theater. Afterwards, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records, and had his first #1 song with “Because Of You” in 1951. After rock came on the scene Tony experienced a drop in his record sales, but he staged a comeback in the 1980s and ’90s, achieving gold record status and expanding his audience to the MTV generation. He's won 17 Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in 2001), and two Emmys. He is estimated to have sold 50 million recordings worldwide.

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!