American singer Tony Bennett

He died in his New York City home from

age-related causes, according to his publicist

(Maxine Chodroff, New Jersey resident)

"I think when he sang, he sang to everybody. // "I was very happy that he was able to perform as many years as he performed. And then I was happy to see him performing with Lady Gaga and all the younger performers. And I think they had a certain admiration for him, which is wonderful."

Bennett and his wife founded a

school in his home borough, Queens

(Gideon Frankel, Principal, The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts)

"For our school community, he had a tremendous impact on our students. His vision was for New York City public school students to be able to study an art form that they loved and had talent in from a young age. And so, we've had thousands of students come through our doors and study music and singing and fine art, dance, drama, film making, all because Tony Bennett had the vision of creating a school where that could take place."

Bennett became a star in the 1950s

He won 20 Grammy awards,

including a lifetime achievement award

(Patty Vokanovich, Ohio resident)

"He was an icon. Definitely. He will be missed. But all his music will carry on, that's for sure. "

Bennett was 96