Tony Bennett Honored by Amy Winehouse’s Parents

(Getty Images/Jason Merritt)

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Amy Winehouse’s final recording before her tragic death in the summer of 2011 was a duet with Tony Bennett. Now, the late singer’s parents are looking to honor the legend with an award on behalf of the foundation that bears their daughter’s name.

The foundation, started by Mitch and Janis Winehouse, plans to honor Bennett at the Amy Winehouse Inspiration Awards and Gala on October 11, 2012. The event, being held in New York City, looks to celebrate those artists and musicians who “inspire greatness in others.”

For Bennett’s 2011 album, Duets II, he recorded the 1930 classic “Body and Soul” alongside Winehouse. The 27-year-old chanteuse passed away before the record’s release, but Bennett gave a portion of the proceeds from the album to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which looks to support music therapy and after school programs for low-income children.

It wasn’t just Amy though that was inspired by the two’s song together. Before the release of the album, Bennett talked to Entertainment Weekly about the singer and talked about her special talent, which just couldn’t be taught.

“Some people think that anyone could sing jazz, but they can’t,” he told the mag. “It’s a gift of learning how to syncopate but it’s also a spirit that you’re either born with or you’re not. And Amy was born with that spirit.”

Bennett’s latest album also featured classic duets with Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Norah Jones, Josh Groban and Mariah Carey.

The “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” singer is currently touring overseas, but heads back to the States on August 31 for a show in Murphys, California. To see when Tony’s coming to your town, check out a full list of tour dates here.

Watch the legend’s performance of “Body and Soul” with Amy Winehouse below.