TONY BENNETT-HOW DO YOU KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING

Tony Bennett-How do you keep the Music Playing ?

Having just read Tony Bennett's latest book, it does answer the question asked in the song :  "How Do You Keep The Music Playing." It is a song with music by Michel Legrand and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Bennett's book explains the positive view of life that he attributes to lessons learned from his Italian American upbringing in Astoria in the Borough of Queens, New York City. His parents and family taught him never to compromise the quality of anything you want to do in life. These lessons stood him in good stead when record company executives wanted him to sing popular but inferior songs that catered to the  lowest common demominator of public taste. His belief in quality and unwillingness to compromise good taste created  dfficulties at different  times in his career. But   he persevered .Now at 86, he is singing better than ever. He himself states  humbly but accurately " "That I am at the top of my game." How can that be done at 86 years of age?
 He practices every day, he paints every day since singing and art are his sustaining passions. He believes that being able to sing for an audience is the greatest gift he can give the world . His popularity among people of all ages  hs never been greater. He reaches out to young people who respond to his generosity and encouragement . One of his best records was in fact called " The Art of Excellence" and features the song mentioned in the title of the post. Listen near the end of the song when he ,with great power and conviction, proudly proclaims  his heart-felt serenade to life.

I happen to have a friend who is also in his eighties . He has the  same attitude and beliefs as Bennett . He is not a singer but has been known to dance on tables whenever a mood of joy and celebration came over him. He wants to share his joy with both friends and strangers. Both of these men, one famous, one unknown, share the blessing of positive emotion that benefits them personally and anyone else with whom they come into contact. The so-called Golden Years can truly be rewarding for those who see life as an adventure and not just something that has to be endured.
Keeping the music playing ( a metaphor for each day living life to the fullest) is a pretty good philosophy for Tony Bennett , my friend and for anyone else.

PERFORMANCE LINK:   http://youtu.be/6YRILWxwFjE