‘Tony Bennett Way’ – star street name unveiled in San Francisco
The jazz legend has been immortalised in the city of his signature song
Tony Bennett was in San Francisco this weekend to cut the ribbon on a street that has been renamed in his honour. The mayor wanted to recognise the legendary jazz singer after he immortalised the city with his signature song ‘I left my heart in San Francisco’ from 1962. ‘Tony Bennett Way’ now runs north-south in the Nob Hill area, adjacent to the Fairmont Hotel where he first publically performed, and where a statue of him already stands.
The legislation renaming the street was passed unanimously by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in November of last year, and was one of the last official acts of the late Mayor Edwin M. Lee. The new incumbent Mayor Mark Farrell said: “it is only appropriate that we return the favor by renaming a portion of Mason Street in his honor. Throughout his iconic career, Tony has been a wonderful ambassador for our City, always eager to literally sing the praises of our home. It fills me with pride to formally recognize San Francisco's long-time relationship with our great friend by announcing the unveiling of Tony Bennett Way."
Tony was among eight star guest performers on Saturday and a free street party was hosted, then afterwards he went to see The Giants play baseball.