TORONTO -- Tony Bennett could fill a bookshelf with the stories of his illustrious career.
"Just Getting Started," co-written by Scott Simon, is the 90-year-old crooner's fourth autobiography and takes readers through 42 chapters named after people who influenced, inspired or collaborated with him over the years.
Bennett, who officially marked his birthday in August, brings the festivities to television on Dec. 20 with "Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best is Yet to Come." The pre-recorded network special features Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Canadians Michael Buble, Diana Krall, k.d. lang and Rufus Wainwright.
Bennett recently spoke to The Canadian Press about his career and his newest book:
CP: How did you decide who made the cut for a chapter?
Bennett: I didn't have a set plan. Something would come up and I'd say, "What about this person? or "What about that moment?" That was how it went down. There were too many special moments.
CP: What about Abraham Lincoln? His chapter came out of left field.
Bennett: He was the first one to free the slaves. The blacks have been treated like slaves for so long. And he was the first one to be bold enough to make sure they were treated like citizens of the world. It's something that still has to be worked on and people should stop feeling bigoted about nationalities and other religions.
CP: Speaking of freedom and citizenship, those have been hot topics after the U.S. election. What's your impression of president-elect Donald Trump?
Bennett: I was all for the lady. (U.S. Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton) should've won the presidency, as far as I was concerned, because she was going to have all the right answers to straighten out any problem we have in the United States. So I was very disappointed she didn't win.
CP: In the book you canvass several music eras. Do you have a favourite?
Bennett: It was before my time -- Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Fred Astaire -- they were all 10 years older than I was and they were all my idols. (Just like them) I've never done anything but quality songs. I never tried to get a hit record because they only last about three to six weeks. So my albums will never sound old fashioned because they're too intelligent.
CP: Let's talk about a few of the Canadians you didn't highlight in your book. What was it like working with k.d. lang on the Grammy-winning album "A Wonderful World"?
Bennett: She was one of the toughest acts I ever had to follow. She was that good. Every night in Australia (while we toured) I said, "How am I going to follow this?" The audience just adores her.
CP: How about Diana Krall? She played at your 90th birthday celebration.
Bennett: I love her and her husband (Elvis Costello). They're wonderful people. She's got that gift of knowing how to do it so well.
CP: Michael Buble also made an appearance and collaborated on your 2011 "Duets II" album. What's he like?
Bennett: He couldn't get over how popular I was, and he said, "Someday I'm going to be as popular as you." And I said, "Good, I need some company."
CP: Is there any musician you'd still like to collaborate with?
Bennett: Beyonce says she'd like to do something with me one day. She has an idea ... so when it comes up, we'll do it.
CP: Your son manages much of your career. What's on the agenda for next year?
Bennett: Well, I really don't know. I'll know in February. I just think it's great that I'm still going strong.
-- This interview has been condensed and edited.
