Tony Bennett rips away Yankee Stadium and gets a standing ovation for his emotional rendition of “America the Beautiful” in 1998

This is the incredible moment the late great Tony Bennett left Yankee Stadium ahead of Game 1 of the 1998 World Series, blown away by a beautiful rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

The American crooner and jazz singer passed away on Friday at the age of 96, prompting fans to reminisce about some of his most famous moments.

Among them was a notable night at Yankee Stadium in 1998 when New York native Bennett performed to a full house to perform before the first game of the World Series.

He received a standing ovation and sparked a clearly emotional mood in the audience with his rendition of “America the Beautiful,” and you could hear a pin drop as he sang.

The musicians all lined up to hear him, including Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, before a thunderous round of applause at the end of the song.

Tony Bennett brought an incredible rendition of “America the Beautiful” to Yankee Stadium in 1998.

Bennett sang before the Yankees defeated the San Diego Padres in the 1998 World Series

In silence, the Yankees players line up to listen to Bennett’s emotional rendition of the song

The Yankees – perhaps inspired by the performance – won Game 1 by nine runs to six and then defeated the San Diego Padres in just four games to secure the World Series a few days later.

On Friday, Bennett’s publicist, Sylvia Weiner, confirmed the legend’s death and said he died in his hometown of New York. Although no cause of death was given, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

The statement read, “The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, is survived by his wife Susan Benedetto, his two sons Danny and Dae Bennett, daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett, and nine grandchildren.”

It added, “When Tony Bennett was asked in later life interviews how he wanted to be remembered, he often said, ‘As a nice person.’

Among those paying tribute was former US First Lady Hillary Clinton, who described Bennett as “a true talent, a true gentleman and a true friend.” She tweeted, “We will miss you Tony and thanks for all the memories.”

Meanwhile, Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers tweeted, “My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tony Bennett. They are also my emotional family and friends.”

The timeless singer was considered one of the last great saloon singers of the mid-20th century and has released more than 70 albums over the course of his career, earning him numerous Grammys.

Tributes poured in for Bennett following the death of the legendary crooner on Friday

Starring: After his diagnosis, Bennett continued performing and even released a new album with his close friend and collaborator Lady Gaga in September 2021

Throughout his career, Bennett has worked with a variety of famous faces, from Rosemary Clooney (left) to Liza Minelli (right).

His devotion to timeless classics like “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Body And Soul” created a hit catalogue, but it was also his performances with singers like Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga that earned him praise.

American singer Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, described Bennett as a “great” person and offered her condolences to the late singer’s family.

She tweeted, “Tony was one of the greatest people who ever lived.” Kind, loving, talented and generous, he never let us down…Tony was a true champion.”

At age 88, Bennett broke his own record as the oldest living artist with a number one album on the US Billboard 200 chart for his duet project with Gaga entitled Cheek To Cheek.