Tony Bennett

A large red leather scrapbook with stamped gilt lettering on cover reading "Tony Bennett - 75 Years / August 3, 2001." The book is a remarkable treasure trove of touching and poignant missives totaling approximately 105 messages from an incredibly wide range of prominent figures as well as close personal friends and family members. The well wishers include politicians, artists, actors, musicians, comedians and many others. Messages range from autograph notes on correspondence cards, to autograph letters, as well as some typescript letters and faxes.

Among the highlights are: a two page touching tribute to Bennett's contribution to Martin Scorsese's creative process, crediting Bennett with helping him to express himself, "His art helped me to find my own"; an original drawing with message from Muhammad Ali; an original portrait painting with personal message from friend and artist Everett Raymond Kinstler; an original Homer Simpson birthday drawing by Matt Groening; letters from four former presidents including Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George Bush; a signed and inscribed portrait photograph of Bennett from Herman Leonard; a faxed message from David Hockney; autograph letters from Madonna, Elton John, John Travolta, Barbra Streisand, Sheryl Crow; messages from Robert De Niro and Al Pacino; signed photo from Stevie Wonder; handwritten correspondence card from Quincy Jones; handwritten correspondence cards from Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Carroll, Billy Crystal, Carol Burnett, Joe Mantegna and family, and many others.

The book also includes a copy of the invitation to the 75th Birthday Gala that was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the 2nd of August, 2001. The book is an exceptionally touching record of the love and admiration of Bennett's friends, family, associates and fellow entertainers