NEW YORK (Tony
Bennett PR Team) - Thirteen-time Grammy winner and entertainment legend Tony
Bennett celebrated his 80th birthday at a star-studded gala held in his honor by Target.
Surrounded by family, celebrated friends and industry VIPs, the party was held for "the brightest star in the universe" at the Rose Center for Earth and Space on Manhattan's upper west side.
Among those in attendance were: Robert DeNiro, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Bruce Willis, Katie Couric, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, Harry Belafonte, Alec Baldwin, Donald Trump and Billie Jean King.
The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner for the over 250 guests in attendance. David Stark, of David Stark Design and Productions, the event's party planner, selected a classic black and white decor that complimented the space elegantly. After dinner, Danny Bennett, the singer's son and manager, welcomed the guests and introduced a videotaped greeting from President Clinton who was unable to attend in person. Diana Krall and Elvis Costello, in honor of the occasion, sang the classic They Can't Take That Away From Me, which marked a rare duet performance by the musical couple. The guests got a sneak preview of the footage from Tony's forthcoming TV special, which was presented by Academy Award winning director Rob Marshall, who also directed Tony's primetime special.
As a surprise to Tony, Target presented him with a donation check of $80,000 to the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, which was founded by Tony. Katie Couric, on behalf of Target, presented the check commenting on Tony's vision to create a public high school in his hometown of New York City that would offer an extensive arts program which he named after his great friend and colleague, Frank Sinatra.
"Target is proud to be part of this spectacular celebration to honor Tony's 80th birthday and all that he has given us over the years," said John Remington, vice president communications, Target. "Tony's legacy is more than just a musical one, he has contributed to the world at large for so many years in so many ways. Tonight, we not only take this opportunity to say 'Happy Birthday,' but to also 'Thank You,' Tony Bennett."
The Frank Sinatra School vocal choir then led the gathering for a rendition of 'Happy Birthday,' and a spectacular three-tiered birthday cake was presented to Tony, whose actual birthday was that night. Each guest was presented a Target gift set of champagne glasses, which were specially engraved to commemorate the evening.
At the end of the evening, Tony Bennett commented, "I have sung the song 'Fly Me To The Moon' for many years now but never thought I would actually make it there - but thanks to Target's generosity and the love of all my family friends here tonight I truly feel like I have just flown to the moon and back!"
In addition to hosting the party, Target will support Tony's forthcoming CD, Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic with an exclusive version of the CD, a behind-the-scenes, "making of" DVD, and later this fall, will present a prime-time musical special, directed by Academy Award winner, Rob Marshall, on NBC.
Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic will be released on September 26. The CD features new versions of Tony's classic songs recorded with legendary artists such as Barbra Streisand, Bono, The Dixie Chicks, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Target's exclusive CD will include four additional duets by Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Michael Buble and Diana Krall.
