Tony Bennett to be honored in San Francisco to celebrate his hit song, 'I Left My Heart In San Francisco'
On Valentine’s Day, the people of San Francisco, California will ‘leave their heart’ to Tony Bennett when he is honored in the City Hall Rotunda.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of award-winning “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” the city will transform to honor the song that forever touched the city. Mayor Lee will bring back historic cable cars, which will run all day long. In the evening, City Hall will be illuminated in red in celebration of both Bennett and Valentine’s Day.
In addition, the song will be played over the public system in Union Square and at the Hallidie Plaza. A special request states that “San Franciscans are encouraged to stop what they are doing and sing along to “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” from office building, parks, sidewalks or where ever they are in the City.”
The free performance will take place at noon at City Hall, and likewise, local radio stations have agreed to play, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at, or near, twelve to share the celebration.
Mayor Lee comments, "Thanks to Tony Bennett, people have been experiencing the magic of San Francisco for 50 years no matter where they are in the world,” adding, “The song reminds us of why we love our City so much and when we are away, it calls us home. Mr. Bennett’s signature voice is celebrated around the world, and when he comes back to San Francisco, our hearts will surely be lifted.”
85-year old Bennett is honored to bring back the day in 1961 that forever changed his career. He states, “Performing ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’ in the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel was one of the most fortunate moments of my career, and from that moment on I have been commissioned to sing this beautiful song about one of America’s greatest cities throughout the world. It is a thrill and an honor 50 years later to be recognized by the citizens of San Francisco.”
The San Francisco Travel has even launched its own “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” video contest. The contest will allow fellow “Heart in San Francisco” lovers to submit their own versions of the song to the travel site's YouTube page. The winner will receive a deluxe vacation for two, including airfare and a stay at the famous Fairmount Hotel and dinner on Valentine’s Day, which will include a performance from none-other than Tony Bennett.
Along with Mayor Lee, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, former Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr., and San Francisco Chief of Protocol Charlotte Shultz will join to honor Tony Bennett, and conclude with a sing along of the song that has touched the city.