The one and only Tony Bennett

In 1951, Bennett's first big hit, "Because of You," reached No. 1 on the pop charts and sold more than 1 million copies. And because of Bennett, music lovers of all ages would fall in love with the classic standards of the pre-rock and roll era that he interpreted — and reinterpreted — throughout his career.

 "He didn't bridge the generation gap, he destroyed it," his son and manager, Danny Bennett, said.

Danny Bennett told "CBS Sunday Morning" on Friday that his father, who had lost much of his memory to Alzheimer's, stayed connected to the songs he cherished until the very end.