MRM recently chatted with Antonia Bennett ahead of her shows in Charlotte and Duck. The jazz vocalist and daughter of the legendary Tony Bennett spoke about her upbringing, performing with her father and upcoming shows in North Carolina! Please visit antoniabennett.com for more information.

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MRM: Where are you “calling” from?

Antonia Bennett: Los Angeles

MRM: Growing up, how was it being in the presence of legends like Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many more?

Bennett: They were my first teachers. It was quite an education to be surrounded by them. It always seemed like a normal thing because they were my parent’s peers. But now looking back I see how special it was to be surrounded by people who were at the top of their craft.

MRM: The only duet you officially recorded with your father is “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” Do you wish there could have been more?

Bennett: I feel very blessed to have had my father for as long as I did, however I wish that in his later years I lived closer to him, like walking distance away. As far as recording, sure I would’ve loved to have recorded with him more. The duet we did together was very meaningful and fulfilling.

MRM: I know you opened for your father all over the world. Do you have a favorite venue you have performed in?

Bennett: It’s hard to pick one because we performed in so many beautiful places. The Hollywood Bowl, Radio City, Royal Albert Hall, and of course the beautiful theatre; The Majestic in San Antonio, Texas.

MRM: What is something non-musical related that most people don’t know about your father?

Bennett: That he was kind of psychic.; he always knew when I was calling. He would pick up the phone and say “Hi Antonia”. He always knew if it was me.

MRM: How was it attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston?

Bennett: I loved it, I had a great experience there! I made friendships that have lasted me a lifetime and it was a great place to come into myself as a young artist.

MRM: If you had to choose, do you prefer performing the Great American Songbook or your own originals?

Bennett: Luckily I don’t have to choose; I really love singing and performing both!

MRM: Do you have any new music coming out anytime soon?

Bennett: Yes! I am releasing my first holiday single on November 1 and my holiday record on December 6!

MRM: Have you ever performed in the Carolinas before?

Bennett: Yes, I’ve opened for my father at many venues in the Carolinas but the most recent was in 2019 at the DPAC in Durham, NC for his “I Left My Heart” tour.

MRM: You will be performing at The Middle C Jazz Club in Charlotte, NC on October 12 (2 shows) and The Duck Festival in Duck, NC (Outer Banks) on October 13…

Bennett: Middle C Jazz Club early show doors open at 5:15 PM and the show starts at 6:15 PM, the late show doors open at 8 PM and show starts at 8:45 PM. Duck Jazz festival show starts at 5:25 at the Main Stage! Come on down, everyone!

MRM: What can fans expect at these shows?

Bennett: They can expect to hear some American classics with a little bit of a modern twist and some originals!