Tommy Dorsey

Tommy Dorsey was an American jazz trumpeter and trombonist along with one of the most memorable bandleaders of the swing era.

Tommy Dorsey and his band also appeared in several films such as Ship Ahoy in 1942, The Great Morgan in 1946 and A Song Is Born in 1948.

Fast Facts

1. Genre: Jazz
2. Name: Thomas Francis Dorsey, Jr.
3. Born: November 19, 1905
4. Death: November 26, 1956
5. Origin: Shenandoah, Pennsylvania
6. Years Active: 1934 - 1956
7. Associated with: Jimmy Dorsey, The California Ramblers, Jean Goldkette, Paul Whiteman, Frank Sinatra
8. Inducted Into the Radio Hall Of Fame in 1989
9. Also known as the "Sentimental Gentlemen of Swing"

Career

Tommy Dorsey was the younger brother of Jimmy Dorsey. He started is career in the 1920s playing with many bands in the New York City area. He co-led the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra with his brother until they split up in 1935. Tommy Dorsey went on to form his own band and became very successful, scoring 137 billboard chart hits. Frank Sinatra gained his vocal success with the Dorsey band and accredited his breathing control to watching Tommy Dorsey play the trombone.

In 1946, when the big band era began to lose its popularity, Tommy Dorsey decided to quit the music business. Dorsey didn't stay away long and reformed his orchestra the following year. Jimmy Dorsey rejoined in 1951 and, with the help of Jackie Gleason, got their own television program on CBS in 1954.

Tommy Dorsey choked to death in his sleep in 1956 shortly after his 51st birthday. Jimmy Dorsey died seven months later of cancer.

Notable Recordings

• 1937: Swing Big Bands
• 1952: In a Sentimental Mood
• 1960: Tea for Two Cha-Cha
• 1964: The New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

Categories