The singer witnessed racism in the military and in the music industry, experiences that informed his decision to join the Selma-to-Montgomery march in 1965.
Mr. Bennett’s career went downhill in the 1970s, as drug and financial problems haunted him. Then his son became his manager, and everything took a rags-to-riches turn.
Over a career of 70-plus years, the singer infused his performances with a huge range, dramatic flair, rhythmic agility and an inquisitive approach to interpreting lyrics.