VMAs 2011 to Include Amy Winehouse Tribute, First Taste of Tony Bennett Duet

MTV will honor late British singer Amy Winehouse at the upcoming Video Music Awards 2011, over the weekend. A tribute has been scheduled to take place, including video of her studio recording session with Tony Bennett for the “Body and Soul” duet.

AceShowbiz reports that confirmations have been made from all sides that the Amy Winehouse tribute will take place at this year’s VMAs.

Video of the singer and Bennet’s recording session for the much-anticipated video will also be shown, offering fans a first taste of new Amy Winehouse material in years.

“It was confirmed that the special segment will feature Tony Bennett and their session at Abbey Road Studios in London to record their duet ‘Body and Soul’,” the e-zine reports.

A 30-second preview of the duet is already available online confirming what Amy’s fans have known all along: she was back at her best and ready to get back in the game.

Bennett also stresses this, saying Amy was one of the greatest artist he’s ever worked with in his career.

“It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse. And when you listen to the recording of ‘Body and Soul,’ it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known,” he said.

The duet and a video for it will both be released on September 14, when it would have been Amy’s birthday, with all proceeds going to charity.

Speaking of the planned Amy Winehouse tribute at the VMAs 2011, her father, Mitch Winehouse says he and the entire family are “honored” MTV is doing it.

“Our family is honored that the VMAs are giving Amy this wonderful tribute. We know that Amy’s performance of ‘Rehab’ at the MTV Movie Awards played an important part in Amy’s worldwide success,” Mitch says.

“Body and Soul” will be featured on the upcoming album “Tony Bennett: Duets II,” out in stores on September 20.