Tony, we miss you already even though you just left us.
Your voice endured through the generations.
Through your personal and career highs and lows.
Through being in and out of style.
But true talent, style, and grace is never out of fashion.
Your voice was a precious instrument.
You used your celebrity to promote justice.
As a soldier in World War II, you experienced prejudice for being Italian.
You were demoted because you fraternized with a Black soldier when our army was still segregated.
You participated in the Civil Rights Movement and refused to perform in South Africa during apartheid.
You thrilled a new audience with your performances. Younger listeners proved they appreciated your artistry.
When illness came, you still performed.
Still captivated.
Still thrilled.
You and Lady Gaga made quite a pair.
Your gifts are timeless. There will always be someone, somewhere listening to and loving “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Rags to Riches,” and many others.
You were one of a kind.
You always will be one of a kind.
Goodnight, Tony.
Goodnight.