George Takei  🏳️‍🌈🖖🏽Jul 21, 2023
The great Tony Bennett has passed away at the age of 96. He was the last of his kind, a master of the American songbook. He may have left his Heart in San Francisco, but he won all of our hearts, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. Be at peace, and sing to us now from the stars, Tony.
Show threadGene Cowan 🏳️‍🌈Jul 21, 2023

@georgetakei "While in the US Army stationed in Germany, #TonyBennett ran into a Black friend from New York and joined him for Thanksgiving dinner. Mr. Bennett’s commanding officer reprimanded him for associating with African Americans and transferred him to a different unit.

For the rest of his life, Mr. Bennett was a quiet political activist and advocate for civil rights."

❤️

Show threadSharon Gibson MorganJul 21, 2023
@genecowan @georgetakei I knew Bennett was involved in the civil rights movement during the '60s, but this is the first time I've heard this story. Could you please cite the source of this? I'd like to share it.
Show threadGene Cowan 🏳️‍🌈Jul 21, 2023
@SharonGibson3 @georgetakei From Matt Schudel, in The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/07/21/singing-star-tony-bennett-dies/
Tony Bennett, singing star with an enduring second act, dies at 96

The timeless singer had his first hit in 1951 and topped the charts more than 60 years later.

The Washington Post
Show threadSharon Gibson Morgan
@genecowan @georgetakei Thank you.
Jul 21, 2023 at 4:43pmWeb
Show threadGene Cowan 🏳️‍🌈Jul 21, 2023
@SharonGibson3 @georgetakei No, thank YOU for checking sources!