Nob Hill in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 12, 2021

1. I Left My Heart in San Francisco Marker

Inscription. Tony Bennett, the award-winning musician whose career spans over six decades, performed and introduced the song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" in the famed Venetian Room of the Fairmont Hotel in December 1961.

Mr. Bennett has been one of our city's greatest and most celebrated ambassadors, endearing him to generations of San Franciscans and fans around the world.

This sculpture, dedicated in celebration of Mr. Bennett's 90th birthday, was made possible through the big-heartedness of many, including generous gifts from

(donors names not transcribed)

Erected 2016.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1961.

Location. 37° 47.525′ N, 122° 24.643′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Nob Hill. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Mason Street (Tony Bennett Way) and California Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco CA 94108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mark Hopkins Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art (within shouting distance of this marker); Huntington Park/Fountain of the Tortoises

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Unsung Heros (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crocker Mansions (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hang Ah / 香雅 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Metropolitan Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hang Ah Alley / 香亞巷 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Also see . . .
1. Tony Bennett (Wikipedia).

"Also in 1962, Bennett released his recording of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", a decade-old but little-known song originally written for an opera singer. Although this reached only number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, it spent close to a year on various other charts and increased Bennett's exposure. The album of the same title was a top 5 hit and both the single and album achieved gold record status. The song won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Male Solo Vocal Performance for Bennett. Over the years, this would become known as Bennett's signature song. In 2001, it was ranked 23rd on an RIAA/NEA list of the most historically significant Songs of the 20th Century."

(Submitted on June 13, 2021.)

2. Tony Bennett - I Left My Heart in San Francisco (from MTV Unplugged) (YouTube, 2 min.)

I Left My Heart in San Francisco Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 12, 2021

2. I Left My Heart in San Francisco Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here in the foreground, mounted to the top of a very low retaining wall, with the statue of Tony Bennett visible in the background.

. Tony Bennett performing "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" from MTV Unplugged (Live at Sony Studios, New York City, NY - April 1994). (Submitted on June 13, 2021.)

3. San Francisco Honors Tony Bennett With Statue (YouTube, 70 sec.). Newsclip consisting of multiple short segments of Bennett's 90th birthday celebration and the statue unveiling. (Submitted on June 13, 2021.)

I Left My Heart in San Francisco Marker - wider view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 12, 2021

3. I Left My Heart in San Francisco Marker - wider view

Showing the Fairmont, with the Tony Bennett statue visible on the lawn to the right of the main entrance.

Tony Bennett Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 12, 2021

4. Tony Bennett Statue

The base reads, Tony Bennett - I Left My Heart in San Francisco - Debut 1961 Fairmont Hotel

Tony Bennett image. Click for full size.

courtesy of the New York Public Library, 1950s

5. Tony Bennett

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 13, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.