Tony Bennett and Dave Brubeck Perform Together After All These Years

In what was their first performance together in 47 years, Dave Brubeck joined Tony Bennett on-stage for a performance. The two musical legends, who have been in the business for over 60 years, are friends and former labelmates at Columbia Records. The historic moment took place at the George Wein’s CareFusion Jazz Festival 55 at Newport, R.I., where both artists had their own sets to perform.  They decided on the song to perform together. When asked about their choice, Brubeck said:

“We decided to do a Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer song called `That Old Black Magic…Harold Arlen is my favorite composer through the years … It’s one of the great jazz songs of all time.”

It was the same song they performed the only other time they sang together outside the White Houseon Aug. 28, 1962 for President Kennedy.  But this second performance might not have happened if it wasn’t for documentary filmmaker Bruce Ricker who knew both men would be performing at the festival.  He pushed for it and helped make it happen. Another person with a hand in on getting the two legends together was avid jazz fan, Clint Eastwood.  Brubeck said Eastwood was really “pushing for this” and they didn’t want to “mess with Clint”.

According to Brubeck the performance turned out well. The two  men who have nothing but respect for each other, had good things to say about each other.  Bennett said after the performance:

“What I loved about it was he’s such an inspiration to me…He shows me that I’m still learning, that we are not finished yet and he is such a great teacher.”

Hopefully they don’t wait so long for their next performance.