DOUBLE TALK
HOW DID YOU TWO FIRST MEET?
MAYER: My dad is a big fan of Tony's, so when he turned 80, I abused all my privileges and [arranged for] Tony to sing "Fly Me to the Moon" without a mic at a party I set up. My dad still brags about it. I'm in your debt, Tony!
BENNETT: Well, with him on my album, I'll sell an extra million. [Both laugh.] I've always admired him. He has "it."
JOHN, WHAT HAS TONY'S CAREER TAUGHT YOU?
MAYER: Tony's never gone out of style. I can't keep up with whatever the new thing is; I can't compete with Lady Gaga. [So] whether it's cool or not, make it good.
BENNETT: I didn't follow trends, I just sang good songs.
WHY DID YOU PICK "ONE FOR MY BABY"?
BENNETT: It was cowritten by Johnny Mercer and first introduced by Fred Astaire. You can't go wrong with that.
MAYER: We almost did "I'll Be Around," but can two people sing "I'll be around"? [Sings] "We'll be around..."
TONY, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT TURNING 85 IN SEPTEMBER?
BENNETT: I'm just starting out! I have a long way to go.
MAYER: When I turn 85-whatever age I'm at-I want to arrive there on time. Some people don't reach 30 till they're 60. Mr. Bennett is right on time.
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