Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett and Anna Benedetto

I grew up during the Depression and mom was widowed when my father passed. At the time I was 10 years old and mom had to raise 3 young children all on her own. Every Sunday, my Italian-American family would come to our house for a big meal - my mom's lasagne was always a favorite. After dinner the family would make a circle in the living room and my brother, my sister and I would perform for them. It was those early days, when I got so much love and encouragement from my family, that I decided that I wanted to become a performer. They helped me make that decision.

I remember one Thanksgiving with the family that stands out because of all things, we could not afford a turkey that year. My mom was so upset by it, but then I told her the local movie theater was raffling off turkeys and if she gave me a dime to go to the movies I would be able to enter the contest and maybe win that turkey. She gave me the dime and I went to the movies and to this day I have no idea what movie they played on that day as all I kept focusing on what the number on my ticket - Number 4 - and wishing that it would be the winning number. I had this feeling inside me that I had the winning ticket so, when after the movie they collected all the stubs, the man up front called out loudly, NUMBER FOUR!! I remember dragging the turkey down the street and when I brought it home by entire family looked at me in utter amazement.

I have had many Thanksgivings since then but that one is the one I remember the most and to this day my favorite number is Number 4.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their family and friends and if you make my mom's lasagna, I know it will be the winning ticket!

Happy Holiday!

Tony Bennett