Tony Bennett will return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage this Sunday night in Los Angeles for the first time since 1993 to pay tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, an MTV spokesperson tells Rolling Stone.
The two teamed up to record “Body and Soul” for his Duets II album, out September 20th. Bennett will introduce video footage from the pair’s recording session this past March in London, as well as additional musical performances to be announced – which means it’s possible that Adele and Gaga, who both paid respects to Winehouse following her passing and are scheduled to perform at the VMAs, will be involved.
Bennett says the song is a fitting homage to her musical gifts. "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,” Bennett said in a statement.
Proceeds from the track – which will be released as both a single and video September 14th, Winehouse’s birthday – will go to the Amy Winehouse Foundation. And while Winehouse’s father, Mitch, has made headlines recently by turning down charity donations, he is welcoming the support from MTV.
“Our family is honored that the VMA’s are giving Amy this wonderful tribute,” Mitch Winehouse said. "We know that Amy’s performance of ‘Rehab’ at the MTV Movie Awards played an important part in Amy’s worldwide success.”
GREAT. This sounds a million times better. I’ve heard something about Cee Lo Green too whom I kinda like but still makes me doubtful about how good this is going to be.
Amy had a very low bullshit tolerance when it came to music so I just hope they respect that. Tony Bennett sounds perfect tho.
George Michael praising Amy and singing Love Is A Losing Game on his new tour. You guys don’t know how much this means to me. I hope he does this here in Madrid on the 26th of September. I’d die a happy man.
Also Columbia Records will releasse a video clip on September 14th (Amy’s B-day) with her recording with Tony Bennett. I think it’s like Michael Jackson’s ‘‘All In Your Name’’ with Barry Gibb… I believe Tony Bennett is the best who can pay tribute to Amy @ VMA’s show…
I’m so glad that they made a wise decision. I didn’t expect MTV treating her so well to be honest.