Elvis Costello Is 'At A Rare Loss For Words' In Homage To Longtime Friend Tony Bennett

Musician Elvis Costello has paid tribute to collaborator and longtime friend Tony Bennett, following Bennett's passing last month at 96. August 3rd is Bennett's posthumous 97th birthday.

Costello has been known for his articulate lyrical work since the late 1970s, but the artist revealed Bennett's passing has made him feel "at a rare loss for words," he wrote in his homage for Bennett. The singer/songwriter posted his tribute to Bennett to his website and shared a set of photos to social media on Thursday.

Costello is by far not the only artist to pay tribute to the crooner since his passing was announced on July 21st. Costello's frequent collaborator Paul McCartney took to his social media to memorialize Bennett, as did Bennett's frequent musical partner, Lady Gaga.

Costello included an excerpt of his complete homage to Bennett in the caption of his Instagram photo featuring the pair sitting on a park bench.

The rocker wrote in part, "I have been at a rare loss for words since the passing of Tony Bennett, still amazed that I had ever met him, much less that I got to spend time with him, talking about music, art or family, let alone record or share the stage with him or that I would be granted such privileged proximity to witness his more substantial collaborations with my wife, Diana Krall."

Fans honored Bennett in the post's comment section.

"So lovely. Thank you. I live in NYC and had seen him in the wild a few times. He really lit up a room. More importantly, hospitality seemed so happy to see him, which is a big clue he treated people well," one follower wrote.

"The world will definitely not be the same since he passed, But it's great that he got to share his talent with us while he was here," another commented.

"A lovely tribute sir, I especially like the last few paragraphs and appreciate your insight. Thank you, Elvis, and Happy Birthday Tony," a follower said.

"Was wondering when we’d hear from you. Thank you," another follower wrote.

Costello honored Bennett with a full tribute as well, posted to his website.

Following the excerpt included on social media, he wrote, "Looking back over photos of us together, one could not help but note the contrast between us in style and ease in front of the camera. This first shot was taken at “The Red Parrot” in NYC in 1983 at the taping of an unaired NBC television special, “Swing It Again” and, yes, that is Count Basie smiling up at us from behind the piano," he said, referring to a photo of the duo on stage.

Costello continued, "I felt and certainly sounded like an ill-equipped, terribly hoarse novice on that occasion, yet Tony, sensing that I had drifted too far from shore in even taking on this assignment, was sympathetic and encouraging to me, gracefully getting me through that uncomfortable ordeal."

"I had been just thirteen years old when I first heard Tony Bennett sing. My mother, Lillian, took me to a show in London on which the singer – who rivaled or even surpassed Sinatra in her affections – was co-billed with Buddy Rich. As a singer’s son myself, I thought the drummer to be an obnoxious show-off, constantly stepping into the singer’s limelight, delaying the appearance of one of those beautiful ballads that meant so much to Lillian but finally, the tempo dropped, the tempest stilled and Tony sang 'When Joanna Loved Me' and Johnny Mandel’s, 'Shadow Of Your Smile' more beautifully than anyone could imagine. What did I know about show business?" he went on.

"The next time Tony and I would sing together was at the taping of his 'MTV Unplugged' in 1994, trading lines on 'They Can’t Take That Away From Me' like two old pals. Tony also had k.d. lang as duet partner but all of the guests were simply there to frame the event, not to define it. This was an opportunity for Tony to sing concentrated, sometimes hushed versions of 'Body and Soul' or Kurt Weill’s 'Speak Low' and, perhaps, some of those songs were heard for the first time by this younger audience. In this second shot, Tony looks immaculate as ever but the stance illustrates his generosity; his hand on my shoulder, a gesture of reassurance to the camera, as if to say, 'This guy is okay by me'," he said, referring to a photo of the duo at a recording session.

Costello also details Bennett's connection to his wife, jazz musician Diana Krall, and the instances in which they performed together, and the influence of Bennett's years in the service.

The "Pump It Up" singer also discusses the photo of the duo he had posted on social media.

"One final picture: a sunny day in Central Park in 2017 and our family is out walking when we happen to see Tony sitting on a park bench near his apartment. There he was; the exceptional New Yorker, looking splendid in his track suit, taking in the day, being hailed by passers-by," he continued. "There are no more words needed to tell you how much this photo means to me now or how fortunate I feel to have known him or to have spent these moments together..."