Tony Bennett: Legendary New York crooner dies aged 96

Tony Bennett was "singing at his piano" just days before he died, his representatives have revealed.

Legendary New York pop and jazz singer Tony Bennett died yesterday aged 96.

A statement posted on his Twitter account says: "Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was Because of You, his first #1 hit.

Sir Elton John, Carole King and Hilary Clinton were among those paying tribute to the star on social media.

Bennett was known for songs such as The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.

He also collaborated with star performers from Lady Gaga to Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who called him "the best singer in the business".

During a career that spanned eight decades, Bennett sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award.

Sir Elton John led the tributes on social media, writing in a statement posted on his Instagram that he was "so sad to hear of Tony's passing who without doubt was the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see.

Billy Joel says Tony Bennett was the one of the most important interpreters of American popular song during the mid to late 20th Century.

Joel further says he championed songwriters who might otherwise have remained unknown to many millions of music fans.

Source: BBC