Renowned entertainer Elijah Rock is set to collaborate with Antonia Bennett, the daughter of legendary singer Tony Bennett, on his much-anticipated new album, Memories Unleashed- Impulse 1.
Bennett, known for her heartfelt tribute to jazz standards and her own original compositions, will join Rock in this dynamic project that promises to celebrate the future of American Jazz while honoring its rich legacy.
Antonia Bennett, a Berklee College of Music alumna, has long been a torchbearer of the Great American Songbook.
With a career that began at an early age performing alongside her father, Bennett has shared the stage with icons like Rosemary Clooney, Count Basie, and Frank Sinatra.
As an artist with over 25 years of experience, she has graced the world’s most prestigious venues, including Radio City Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Royal Albert Hall.
“Collaborating with Antonia Bennett on this album is a true honor. Her voice is a sublime fusion of timeless elegance and modern soul, embodying the spirit of the Great American Songbook while infusing it with fresh, original interpretations. She beautifully represents everything that makes jazz and its legacy so extraordinary,” says Elijah Rock.
“Beyond her remarkable artistry, Antonia’s commitment to amplifying Alzheimer’s awareness, inspired by her father Tony Bennett’s journey with the disease, brings profound depth to this collaboration. This pop-traditional album will undoubtedly showcase her immense talent while celebrating the enduring brilliance of the Great American Songbook,” shares Elijah Rock.
As an award-winning artist and an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Rock is committed to ensuring the legacy of Black musicians who shaped the Great American Songbook is preserved and celebrated.
Artists like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong played an instrumental role in creating a sound that remains an integral part of American culture. Rock continues this tradition, blending artistry with advocacy and inspiring future generations to embrace the Songbook.
The forthcoming album, Memories Unleashed- Impulse 1, began recording in Los Angeles in January 2025 and is set to be completed by February.
This highly anticipated project will feature Antonia Bennett on a duet, alongside other esteemed collaborators, each bringing their unique artistry to the timeless songs that define the Great American Songbook.
The album will beautifully blend classic jazz standards with new interpretations, reflecting the enduring legacy of the genre while embracing contemporary sounds.
Under the production of Rayford Griffin, and with arrangements by Todd Hunter, the album promises to capture the magic of Rock’s live performances and serve as a powerful tribute to the rich cultural history of American jazz.
The nostalgic canon of these timeless songs can also play an important role in brain health, as they have the unique ability to elicit memories, stimulating both cognitive function and emotional connections.
This makes Memories Unleashed- Impulse 1 not only a musical endeavor but also an opportunity to foster deeper connections among families, caregivers, and aging loved ones.
For the aging community, these songs create an invaluable way to communicate and share stories across generations, helping to bridge the gap and strengthen ties.
Music, especially the classics of the Great American Songbook, serves as a tool for remembering and connecting, with the potential to create bonds that endure.
Funded by GBHI, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Alzheimer’s Society, the project aims to extend Rock’s message of music’s power to heal on a global scale, with all proceeds from the album going toward furthering Alzheimer’s disease awareness and research.
Rock’s foundation, The Elijah Rock Foundation Inc., provides support for families affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s, offering financial assistance and access to care, while also promoting brain health education.
“Music has the power to heal and transform,” says Rock. “By merging artistry with advocacy, we hope to inspire change and bring relief to those facing these challenges.”
For more information on Memories Unleashed or to learn more about The Elijah Rock Foundation, visit:
www.theelijahrockfoundation.org
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elijah Rock
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