"Duets II" pairs Bennett with another all-star cast of partners, ranging from icons (Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Andrea Bocelli) to upstarts (Lady Gaga, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, John Mayer, Carrie Underwood) and those in between, including Natalie Cole, Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow and others. But even with that potent lineup, the album also has additional notoriety for Bennett's rendition of "Body and Soul" with the late Amy Winehouse. He's now planning to release the song as the album's second single -- following "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" with Michael Buble -- in September, with proceeds likely earmarked for the foundation Winehouse's family is setting up in her name to help young people in need of medical or financial assistance.
Bennett says he had provided some counsel to Winehouse prior to the recording sessions, when she and her father, Mitch Winehouse, came to see him perform at London's Royal Albert Hall. "I was convinced I would be able to help her and talk her out of... taking drugs," he notes, adding that the foundation is "a great way to turn something positive out of this."
Bennett acknowledges that the Lady Gaga duet on "The Lady is a Tramp" also seems out of left field but proclaims that "I never met a more talented person in my life... I think she's going to become as big as Elvis Presley." Bennett says John Mayer, who joins him on "One For My Baby," is "a very talented guy and a great blues singer," and joining forces with Franklin for "How Do You Keep the Music Playing" was "just great. She's in top shape after her recent surgery -- looks great, sounds great. She knew exactly what to do."
