Anything Goes : Tony Bennett by Richard "RB" Botto

Richard "RB" Botto

Tony Bennett

When I was 16, I had front row seats to see Tony Bennett in Atlantic City. I wore a suit to the show. In mid song, Tony looked at me, smiled and asked me to stand up. "This is what class looks like," he said, and he asked the crowd to give me a round of applause.

Years later, I had the pleasure of being in Tony's company at least a half dozen times. He would always ask me to repeat that story and his and my eyes would well up every time. “I meant it,” he would say. “It’s true.”

There was no one with more class than Tony Bennett. A beautiful human being. A singular talent. He will be missed.

John Murphy

That's an incredible story. I've loved Tony since I was a kid. We play his CDs at home and in the car all the time, and especially during the Christmas season. He sure was a class act . May he be in the creator's embrace.

Greg Wong

Wow! What a wonderful memory to have of an extraordinary talent.

Leonardo Ramirez

That's the kind of impact that lasts a lifetime.

Jennifer Rolle

I’ve enjoyed his music for years. What an amazing talent. He was the last of the great crooners. Tony will be missed, but his songs will continue dazzle audiences for years to come.

Richard "RB" Botto

He was certainly one of a kind. And you're right, Leonardo Ramirez, that moment and the subsequent times I spent with him had a profound impact on me.

Leonardo Ramirez

Richard "RB" Botto Whether we’re a celebrity or not, it’s a great reminder of the impact we have on others.

Linwood Bell

He was a giant and good Man. I hate that he's gone, but Wow!!! What a ride. My friend and hero was his arranger and all day I've been thinking of him and how this much hurt. So much music the two of them created over the years. It's bugged me all day. I was gonna send you the score of For Once In My Life with he and Stevie Richard "RB" Botto, but your in box is prolly a nightmare. If you read music and wanna read along, email me and I'll attach it.

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