I have always loved jazz music and as a teen growing up in New York City and then later on as an adult have great memories of the jazz clubs that were all located on 52nd Street. I still catch as many jazz shows as I can when I am in New York. And when I perform, I have my jazz quartet by my side. Jazz musicians keep things spontaneous and very "live," which is the way I like to perform.

I have been very fortunate to have been able to make a living from what I love to do best - performing and singing for people.

I have a very strong passion to sing and paint. I'm really a student.

Someday, when I'm awfully low, and the world is cold, I will feel a glow just thinking of you, and the way you look tonight.

The young people look great on television. They’re youthful and have a lot of zip and energy, but when you see them live, they can only do about 20 minutes because they haven’t got the training to hold an audience for an hour and a half or so.

I can't ask for more out of life, and the more I learn, the less I know.

"Benedetto" means the "blessed one" and I feel that I have truly been blessed.