PC: AP news
During his career, he released more than 70 albums, won 19 Grammy Awards and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Tony Bennett was one of the most recognised interpreters of classic American songs, best known for recordings including I Left My Heart in San Francisco. The legal dispute between his daughters and brother concerns the management and distribution of the singer’s estate following his death.
Antonia and Johanna Bennett allege that their brother used his control over their father’s finances to enrich himself before and after the singer’s death in 2023. Tony Bennett died in 2023 at the age of 96. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, although no specific cause of death was given.
The daughters of late American singer Tony Bennett say they received just $245,000 each from their father’s estate, accusing their brother, D’Andrea “Danny” Bennett, of taking millions through excessive commissions, financial deals and trust transactions. The deal with brand development firm Iconoclast took place shortly before the singer’s death, according to the filing. The statement said: “Danny has followed his father’s plans with integrity and care,” adding that the allegations against him were unsubstantiated. The spokesperson also maintained that Tony and Danny Bennett had a record of unprecedented success together and said Danny remained committed to preserving his father’s memory and legacy.
In a lawsuit filed in New York, the sisters also question the sale of their father’s music catalogue and image rights shortly before his death. They are seeking damages and Danny’s removal as head of the family trust. One of the transactions highlighted in the lawsuit involved the sale of Tony Bennett’s music catalogue, along with the rights to his name, likeness and image. The sisters allege that the transaction was among the arrangements through which their brother financially benefited. Danny Bennett has rejected the accusations through a spokesperson, describing the latest lawsuit as another attempt to misrepresent their father’s wishes.