Tony Bennett turns 90, eager

Crooner Tony Bennett celebrated his 90th birthday on Wednesday, declaring himself in great health and ready for a new collaboration -- with Beyonce if she's interested.

With his cheery grin and stylish renditions of pop standards, Bennett has been called the last in a generation of singing greats who included his friend and fellow Italian American Frank Sinatra.

Bennett -- born in 1926 in New York's Astoria neighborhood though his most famous song is "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" -- was feted by his hometown where the Empire State Building prepared a light show set to his songs.

On hand to turn on the lights was Lady Gaga, who in 2014 joined him for an album of traditional pop, entitled "Cheek to Cheek," and accompanying tour.

NBC television announced a tribute concert, "Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet To Come," to air on December 20 with Lady Gaga and other top stars including Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder.

Bennett himself has not slowed down, with a full tour schedule that will resume in Detroit next week.

"I feel like I have so much more to learn yet," he told NBC's "Today" show for his birthday.

"My doctor keeps telling me, 'There's not a thing wrong with you. Just keep going at it,'" he said.

Bennett said he hoped to record another album with Lady Gaga, who scrapped her trademark flamboyant outfits for a more subtle approach when performing with him.

"I'd like to do something again with Lady Gaga -- she's a terrific talent," he said, adding: "But I like that Beyonce."

There was no immediate word on whether Beyonce, long rumored to be working on an album with her rap mogul husband Jay Z, was interested in duets with Bennett.

Bennett, in a separate interview with Billboard magazine, said he hoped to record with Lady Gaga next year as she is busy in 2016, when she is expected to release a new solo album.

Bennett said he exercises three times a week and credited his wife Susan with ensuring his health.

With "Cheek to Cheek," Bennett, then 88, became the oldest artist to hit number one on the US album sales chart.

Bennett has won 18 Grammys as well as a lifetime achievement award. A television special on him, "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," won seven Emmys in 2007.

Source: AFP