MTV Unplugged (Tony Bennett album)
MTV Unplugged is a live album by American singer Tony Bennett, released in 1994. It was recorded as part of the MTV Unplugged series. The album showcases Bennett's vocal talent in a stripped-down, acoustic setting, accompanied by a small ensemble of musicians. The recording took place at Sony Music Studios in New York City.
The album features a selection of standards from the Great American Songbook, a repertoire closely associated with Bennett throughout his career. These included songs like "Fly Me to the Moon," "Steppin' Out with My Baby," and "For Once in My Life." In addition to well-known classics, the album also features duets with Elvis Costello and k.d. lang.
MTV Unplugged was a critical and commercial success. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1995, demonstrating Bennett's enduring appeal and the success of the MTV Unplugged format in revitalizing established artists' careers. The album is notable for presenting Bennett to a younger audience, thanks to the MTV platform, while simultaneously reaffirming his status as a premier interpreter of classic American songs. The album's success helped revitalize Bennett's career and led to further recordings and performances.