A CANVEY showbiz promoter who was the first to bring to bring superstar singer Tony Bennett to the UK has paid tribute to the “lovely gentleman”.

Bennett, passed away on Friday at the age of 96 after dedicating his life to music and performance, and gaining fans around the world.

Mike Taylor of Entertainers was the first promoter to bring the legendary New York crooner to the UK when he arranged for his 1990 tour in 1990.

But after more than 30 years of knowing him, the managing director has said he felt “deep sadness” when Bennett’s death was confirmed by publicist Sylvia Weiner.

Mike said: “Tony was one of the greatest.

“I was the first promoter to bring him in the UK in 1990 for a tour.

“He was so lovely and a complete gentleman.”

Tony, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016, died in his hometown of New York.

With a career spanning eight decades, the entertainer sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award in 2001.

His hit songs, such as The Way You Look Tonight, Rags To Riches and Body And Soul, made him a household name.

Speaking about one of the funniest moments of being with Tony, Mike said: “I asked him to come with me to a restaurant, and when we turned up, there were 30 paparazzi snapping pictures and the restaurant was filled with people.

“It was a shock, but he took the time to do all the shots. He had so much time for everyone.”

Born to a family of Italian immigrants as Anthony Dominick Benedetto, he lost his dad John when he was 10.

He started his career as a singing waiter before going on to study music and painting at New York’s School of Industrial Art. Bennett released his first album Because of You in 1952.

Tony went on to collaborate with a whole range of fellow music legends, including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and Lady Gaga.

He leaves behind a catalogue of much-loved music.

Mike added: “He has had a great life and would have been well looked after.

“We absolutely loved him, and he was a true legend. We send our condolences to his family.”

He is survived by his children Danny, Dae, Joanna and Antonia, and his wife Susan Crow.