Legendary singer Tony Bennett called for the U.S. government to legalize drugs during a tribute to Whitney Houston in the hours after her death.

"First it was Michael Jackson, then it was Amy Winehouse and now the magnificent Whitney Houston," Bennett said. "I'd like to have every gentleman and lady in this room commit themselves to get our government to legalize drugs, so you can it from a doctor, not just some gangsters that just sell it under the table."

Bennett's remarks took place at what had originally been planned as an annual pre-Grammy gala hosted by music producer and Houston mentor Clive Davis.

"Let's legalize drugs like they did in Amsterdam," Bennett said, according to the Hollywood Reporter. "No one's hiding or sneaking around corners to get it. They go to a doctor to get it."