Surrounded by jazz legends like Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, and Ella Fitzgerald, Antonia Bennett grew up immersed in a world of extraordinary musical talent and inspiration. Beyond the release of her upcoming holiday album, she has been channeling her passion into her advocacy work for Alzheimer’s awareness. Read on to learn more about Antonia Bennet as she opens up about the cherished memories of performing alongside her father, her approach to songwriting, and how iconic artists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald shaped her style.

Where are you based?
Los Angeles

As the daughter of Tony Bennett, was it expected for you growing up to go into music? Was there a pinnacle moment when you knew music was right for you?
My parents just wanted me to do something that made me happy, whatever it was.

Do you have any favorite memories of playing music with your father that you would like to share?
My favorite memories of singing with my Dad were at the Cape Cod Melody tent. We would go there year after and much of the audience would return every year. I feel that many of his fans in that area watched me grow up.

How would you personally describe your musical style, and what influences have shaped it over the years?
I consider myself a crooner or a singer who likes to sing romantic music. I was influenced greatly by jazz and The American Songbook, and also by many other styles ranging from country, classic rock and soul. I like a bit of everything.

As you work on your music, how would you describe your songwriting approach? Do you draw from personal experiences, or are you more inspired by stories and themes?
I draw from my personal experiences or others’ stories. It really doesn’t matter as long as it makes for a good song and it’s something I can relate to.

Growing up with iconic artists like your father, Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra around, how did their presence shape your musical style and approach to performing?
Growing up around such wonderful artists shaped me in ways I don’t think I even can completely comprehend. What I can say is that I realized that most of these great artists had something that made them special and they were not afraid to lean into it. This allowed them to completely be themselves within their style. I think stepping into your strengths is the greatest influence I gained from the masters I was surrounded by.

Congratulations on the release of your holiday album and single “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” How did you approach singing this song and adding elements of your music style to this classic?
I took a very simple approach to this holiday classic. I just thought about the people I love and focused on the story behind the lyrics of the song.

What inspired you to release a holiday album this year?
My parents always made a big deal of the holidays and I wanted to do something to honor them both.

As someone who grew up around legends, you have likely seen the music industry evolve in many ways. What’s your take on the future of jazz, and where do you see your place in it?
I think the future of Jazz is safe. It’s America’s music, and people from all around the world love it. I fit into this because I love it and I will always listen to it, evolve, and continue to grow.

Alongside music, we heard you are a strong advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness. How has this advocacy influenced you, both personally and professionally? Why is Alzheimer's awareness important to you?
One in every two people is affected by Alzheimer's or dementia in their lifetime. Those are high numbers. We are all affected by this or know somebody who is. I was so lucky to be able to watch my father work at what he loved while battling this disease. It’s important to understand that while our loved ones change they can still be important in our society. Just being able to love them the way they are is a gift.

We hear you are involved with the Alzheimer’s Association of America and The Jazz Angels. Could you share more about what these nonprofits mean to you and how you collaborate with them?
I am happy to give my time and energy to both of these organizations. With The Jazz Angels, I get to do two of my favorite things, work with Kids and play music. The Alzheimer’s Association of America is a fantastic organization that has made the uncomfortable conversation about what happens when a loved one suffers and families are left to cope with a difficult new reality. The greatest gift this organization has given me is to know that I am not alone.

As a spokesperson for the upcoming “Cruise for a Cause” with Royal Caribbean, can you tell us what inspired you to be part of this initiative? What can participants look forward to on the cruise?
It’s a great privilege to be giving back and helping to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s while performing and doing what I love.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of your music?
Keep performing, writing songs, working with some of my heroes, and be able to give back wherever I can.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
This spring I have another record of originals and standards coming out. It’s called "Expressions" The first single "Do You Still Think Of Me" comes out on February 28th.

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
For me, I threw myself into family life and work.

What is your motto in life?
My dad used to quote Duke Ellington. "Number one don’t give up. Number two don’t forget number one”.

To learn more about Antonia Bennett, please check out the links below:
Antonia Bennett
Instagram: @antoniabennett
Facebook: @Antonia Bennett

Antonia Bennett - Holiday Harmonies and Heartfelt Memories