Tony Bennett

By Joel Stein

Tony Bennett has released his first children's album, The Playground. His autobiography, The Good Life, will be out in November.

Q: You do duets with Kermit and Miss Piggy. Did you think about calling Barney or the Teletubbies?

A: No. I wanted to create an album that the children can listen to but the parents would rather not leave the room.

Q: Your real name is Anthony Benedetto. Bob Hope gave you "Tony Bennett." You ever give Bob a name?

A: Yeah. "Great guy." I was in Germany in World War II, and he got me out of the war and actually saved my life.

Q: Does it ever creep you out that people have sex while listening to you sing?

A: Not at all. I wish they'd do one for me.

Q: You've got such great rhythm. Have you ever considered rapping?

A: No, because it's just one note. In fact, I was thinking of copyrighting one note and suing them for stealing my song.

Q: Still, how many months until your first collaboration with Puff Daddy?

A: I don't know. It's up to him giving me a call or that type of thing.

Q: You sing I Left My Heart in San Francisco at every concert. You must hate it.

A: No. Do you get tired of making love?

Q: Why do you ask? No, of course not.

A: That's how I feel about that song. It's made me a world citizen.

Q: Have you ever lived in San Francisco?

A: No, but I love going there.

Q: You have an autobiography coming out real soon. Have you read it yet?

A: I've read sections of it. But I like what's happening. I'm telling most of it to Will Friedwald. He's doing a great job.

Q: Who's smoother than Tony Bennett?

A: Oh, lots of people.

Q: Wrong. Nobody's smoother than you.

A: Well, that's sweet. Thanks. Gosh, that's nice. Thanks.

--By Joel Stein