Five questions for 'Zen' master Tony Bennett

• Singer Tony Bennett writes a memoir about his life
• He talks about staying true to yourself
• Bennett next works with Lady Gaga

Legendary crooner Tony Bennett, 86, shares his tips on living a good life in his new memoir, Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett (Harper). The man who famously left is heart in San Francisco talks with USA TODAY.

1. So, Zen of Bennett. What's that all about?

It's what you arrive at just by living. It's a salute to the gift of life. About never compromising, about doing quality work. It's about being true to yourself.

2. You worked with Amy Winehouse just before she died. What do you remember most about her as an artist?

When I heard Amy, I felt she was an absolutely authentic jazz singer. She was born with the gift and the ambition of a jazz singer, in the tradition of Billie Holiday and Ella (Fitzgerald).

3. You're friends with Lady Gaga, too. What's that all about?

I call her the Picasso of music. She re-creates herself on a daily basis. She's a beautiful singer. The next album we do is with Lady Gaga.

4. You talk a lot about quality. What's your definition of quality?

It's the opposite of obsolescence. You never look down at the public by giving them a bunch of junk.

5. Do you think Justin Bieber will be around in five years?

Excuse me? I've heard his name but haven't checked him out.