For one night only, the Arsht Center will present Tony Bennett, the Grammy Award-winning musician whose music spans more than half a century, on Friday, January 8 at the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Tickets range from $66 to $150, and can be purchased now through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at (305) 949-6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org.

With worldwide record sales in the millions, and dozens of platinum and gold albums to his credit, Bennett is a musician who touches the hearts and souls of audiences with his charming vocals and humble stage presence. His long list of achievements, spanning over 60 years, includes fifteen Grammy Awards, as well as the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making this artist a true international treasure. His signature tunes, such as “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” form part of the fabric of American music culture. Often billed as the world’s most boyish octogenarian, Bennett is a vital musical artist at the peak of his powers.

“It is with great esteem that we welcome Tony Bennett to the Knight Concert Hall. He is a true American music icon,” said M. John Richard, president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “Tony Bennett is a household name for three generations of fans for a good reason. His inimitable voice is stamped in our collective consciousness.”

Bennett has also received critical acclaim for his television appearances, including an Emmy Award and Cable Ace Award for his groundbreaking television special, Live By Request...Tony Bennett, featuring a unique interactive format in which the viewing audience called in song requests during the program. This groundbreaking concept, created by Bennett, eventually evolved into a series on the A&E network and was an on-air favorite for nine years. Bennett was also the subject of a major television special, Tony Bennett: An American Classic, which aired on NBC  in Autumn 2006 and won seven Emmy Awards, garnering Bennett the second Emmy Award to his credit. Most recently, he released a special holiday album titled Swingin’ Christmas Featuring the Count Basie Big Band (2008) which includes yuletide favorites “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland.” The album just recently received a Grammy nomination in the “Best Traditional Pop Recording” category.

Bennett is also a talented painter. He has exhibited his work in galleries around the world, and was chosen to be the official artist of the 2001 Kentucky Derby, creating two paintings in celebration of the iconic event. The United Nations also commissioned two paintings from him, including one for its 50th anniversary.

Throughout his career, Bennett has put his heart and time into supporting humanitarian concerns. His many charitable works include raising millions towards Diabetes, and lending his artwork to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. In 2007, he was honored by the United Nations for his humanitarian efforts with the Citizen of the World award. Together with his wife, Susan, Bennett founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, a New York public high school dedicated to the performing arts. The school opened in 2001, and in 2009 moved to its new permanent location, a brand state-of-the-art building in Astoria, Queens just blocks from Bennett’s childhood home.

In 2006, friends and family gathered at the Museum of Natural History in New York for his 80th birthday. President Bill Clinton sent a taped greeting to show his gratitude for their friendship, and to applaud the singer’s lifelong commitment to charitable causes. “I’ve always admired your singing and your ability to bring millions of people together across the generations through your music,” said President Clinton. “You’ve spent so much time working to bring people  together through public service. I’ve valued our friendship so much over the years. You’re still young, your ear is still pitch-perfect, you’ve got a light in your eye.”