Tony Bennett serenades Chastain

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Tony Bennett serenades Chastain

Photos of legendary crooner in concert

Tony Bennett entertained at Chastain Park Thursday night, singing, among many classics, "Maybe This Time."

Bennett's most memorable recordings include: "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "Steppin' Out" and "Taking a Chance on Love."

According to his National Public Radio biography, Bennett's first big career break came in 1949, when legendary entertainer Pearl Bailey asked him to perform as her opening act at a cabaret in New York's Greenwich Village.

Early in his career, Bennett was mentored by comedian Bob Hope, who convinced the young singer to shorten his given name from Anthony Dominick Benedetto to Tony Bennett, according to NPR.

Bennett remains one of the last great interpreters of the great American songbook, with a career that spans more than 50 years and incorporates the works of the nation's most revered composers.

Bennett's 82nd birthday comes this August 13, but his appeal spans a broad age range. In recent years, he has appeared on "American Idol," MTV, "The Simpsons" and "The Late Show with David Letterman."

An appreciative crowd applauds Tony Bennett during Thursday night's performance at Chastain Park.

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Tony Bennett entertained at Chastain Park Thursday night, singing, among many classics, "Maybe This Time."

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