The Latest: Tony Bennett arrives to standing ovation

SAN FRANCISCO – The Latest on Tony Bennett in San Francisco (all times local):

12:05 p.m.

Legendary singer Tony Bennett has arrived at the San Francisco hotel where he first sang a certain song about leaving his heart in San Francisco.

The hundreds of people gathered for an unveiling of an 8-foot-tall statue honouring Bennett gave him a cheering, standing ovation.

Looking sharp in a blue suit, the 90-year-old New Yorker shook hands with fans. He gave the crowd a wave and a thumbs up. A jazz combo is playing “Happy Birthday.”

The celebration will continue Friday evening at AT&T Park when the San Francisco Giants will honour Bennett in a pre-game ceremony and throughout the game.

Bennett will also perform “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” for fans. He first sang the song at the Fairmont Hotel in 1961.

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11:20 a.m.

A few hundred people are gathered outside the Fairmont hotel atop San Francisco’s Nob Hill waiting for Tony Bennett’s arrival as his music plays in the background.

Bennett turned 90 earlier this month and an 8-foot-tall bronze sculpture of his likeness will be erected Friday in front of the hotel to mark the occasion.

The celebration will continue Friday evening at AT&T Park when the San Francisco Giants will honour Bennett in a pre-game ceremony and throughout the game.

The legendary singer will also perform “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” for fans. He first sang the song at the Fairmont Hotel in 1961.

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11:00 a.m.

For as long as anyone can remember, Tony Bennett has been giving to the city where he first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at the Fairmont Hotel in 1961.

And now, San Francisco is set to pay him back.

In recognition of the internationally renowned singer, painter and civic treasure, the city will honour him with several tributes celebrating his 90th birthday. The festivities will begin with a free, public dedication and unveiling of the 8-foot-tall bronze statue of Bennett atop Nob Hill on the lawn of Fairmont San Francisco on Friday.

The celebration will continue Friday evening at AT&T Park when the San Francisco Giants will honour Bennett in a pre-game ceremony and throughout the game. Bennett will also perform “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” for the fans.