Watch Tony Bennett - Legends in Concert - The Sound of Velvet

Tony Bennett - Legends in Concert - The Sound of Velvet is a 2016 documentary film that captures the life of one of the most prolific and influential musicians of the 20th century, Tony Bennett. Directed by David Horn, the film presents a remarkable journey of the life of this iconic singer, tracing his rise to fame, his struggles, his legacy, and his everlasting influence on the music industry.

The film opens with a spectacular concert in New York City's Radio City Music Hall where Tony Bennett performs some of his most popular songs, including 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco,' 'The Best is Yet to Come,' 'Fly Me to the Moon,' and 'The Good Life.' Through the magic of archival footage and interviews with Bennett himself, the audience is taken on a journey through the remarkable life of this legendary singer.

The film offers some fantastic archival footage of Tony Bennett's early days, which presents an interesting contrast to the man we know today. As we see Bennett as a young singer early in his career, the film reveals that he struggled to find his voice in the early days of jazz music. It was when he met Frank Sinatra that his career took off. Sinatra became Bennett's mentor and helped him gain confidence in his singing abilities.

One of the most significant aspects of the film is the way it portrays Bennett's rise to fame during a time when racial tensions were running high in the music industry. By the 1960s, the civil rights movement was in full swing, and many African-American artists were using their music as a means of promoting social change. Tony Bennett, too, became involved in the movement and began collaborating with prominent African-American musicians like Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. Bennett's decision to work with African-American artists at a time when racial tensions were high in the music industry demonstrated his commitment to promoting unity and equality through his art.

The film also sheds light on some of the struggles that Bennett faced throughout his career, particularly his battle with addiction. Bennett talks openly about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which nearly ruined his career. However, the film also shows how Bennett was able to beat his demons and come back stronger than ever.

Another aspect of the film that makes it particularly compelling is the way it explores Bennett's legacy. As the film reveals, Tony Bennett has had a significant impact on the music industry and has influenced countless other artists throughout his career. He has also remained relevant throughout the years, releasing several acclaimed albums in recent years that have introduced his music to a new generation of fans.

Overall, Tony Bennett - Legends in Concert - The Sound of Velvet is an impressive tribute to one of the most iconic figures in the music industry. The film does an excellent job of capturing both the highs and lows of Bennett's career, showing the impact he has had on the industry, and highlighting his enduring legacy. If you are a fan of Tony Bennett or the jazz genre in general, this documentary is undoubtedly worth watching.

Tony Bennett - Legends in Concert - The Sound of Velvet is a 1950 music movie with a runtime of 48 minutes.