Tony Bennett to Pay Tribute to Amy Winehouse at '2011 MTV Video Music Awards'
Other performers set for Sunday's live event include Lady Gaga, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Pitbull and Young The Giant.
Tony Bennett
August 23, 2011Bruno Mars in "American Idol 2011" on April 28
NEW YORK, NY — To celebrate the life and music of Amy Winehouse, the "2011 MTV Video Music Awards" will pay special tribute to the late British songstress with music legend, Tony Bennett. Winehouse and her hero, Bennett, recently recorded the duet, "Body and Soul," for his upcoming "Duets II" album, out September 20th. Marking his first appearance on the VMA stage since 1993, Mr. Bennett, who won one Album of the Year, at the 1995 Grammy Awards for the CD "MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett," will introduce the tribute, which includes unveiling footage from their recording session together. "Body and Soul" was Winehouse's final session and took place this past March at Abbey Road Studios in London. The single and video will be released by Columbia Records September 14th, Amy's Birthday, in support of the Amy Winehouse Foundation established by the late singer's family to help a number of charities connected with children and young people.
"It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse and when you listen to the recording of "Body and Soul," it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known," said Mr. Bennett.
Winehouse, known for the depth and power of her soulful voice will be remembered by fans and peers for her awe inspiring talent and classic hits such as "Rehab," "Back to Black," "Me & Mr. Jones," and "You Know I'm No Good."
Amy's father, Mitch Winehouse said, "Our family is honored that the VMA's are giving Amy this wonderful tribute. We know that Amy's performance of Rehab at the MTV Movie Awards played an important part in Amy's worldwide success."
2011 VMA performers include Lady Gaga, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Pitbull and Young The Giant. Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas, Jared Leto, and JB Smoove from HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm are confirmed to present. Additionally, Jessie J was just announced as VMA house artist. The "2011 MTV Video Music Awards" will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT)..
The 2011 "MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.2 billion people via MTV's global network of more than 60 channels reaching more than 640 million households around the world as well as through syndication. In addition, its convergent programming and content will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's nearly 200 digital media properties around the world.
The 2010 VMAs averaged a 10.0 P12-34 rating and 11.4 million total viewers, marking the network's best deliveries for any MTV telecast since the 2002 VMAs (8/29/02) as well as making it the third most watched telecast in MTV's history.
To watch video of last year's biggest moments, get the full list of last year's show winners and can check out fashion, celebrity and music commentary from the shows' red carpets, please go to vma.mtv.com.
Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer for the "2011 MTV Video Music Awards." Amy Doyle, Garrett English and Dave Sirulnick are Executive Producers. Jen Jones is co-Executive Producer. Joanna Bomberg is Executive in Charge of Music and Talent. Hamish Hamilton is Director. Wendy Plaut is Celebrity Talent Executive.
"It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse and when you listen to the recording of "Body and Soul," it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known," said Mr. Bennett.
Winehouse, known for the depth and power of her soulful voice will be remembered by fans and peers for her awe inspiring talent and classic hits such as "Rehab," "Back to Black," "Me & Mr. Jones," and "You Know I'm No Good."
Amy's father, Mitch Winehouse said, "Our family is honored that the VMA's are giving Amy this wonderful tribute. We know that Amy's performance of Rehab at the MTV Movie Awards played an important part in Amy's worldwide success."
2011 VMA performers include Lady Gaga, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Pitbull and Young The Giant. Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas, Jared Leto, and JB Smoove from HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm are confirmed to present. Additionally, Jessie J was just announced as VMA house artist. The "2011 MTV Video Music Awards" will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT)..
The 2011 "MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.2 billion people via MTV's global network of more than 60 channels reaching more than 640 million households around the world as well as through syndication. In addition, its convergent programming and content will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's nearly 200 digital media properties around the world.
The 2010 VMAs averaged a 10.0 P12-34 rating and 11.4 million total viewers, marking the network's best deliveries for any MTV telecast since the 2002 VMAs (8/29/02) as well as making it the third most watched telecast in MTV's history.
To watch video of last year's biggest moments, get the full list of last year's show winners and can check out fashion, celebrity and music commentary from the shows' red carpets, please go to vma.mtv.com.
Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer for the "2011 MTV Video Music Awards." Amy Doyle, Garrett English and Dave Sirulnick are Executive Producers. Jen Jones is co-Executive Producer. Joanna Bomberg is Executive in Charge of Music and Talent. Hamish Hamilton is Director. Wendy Plaut is Celebrity Talent Executive.