Biography
Tommy Dorsey, born Thomas Francis Dorsey, Jr. on November 19, 1905, in Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania, was a prodigious jazz trombonist, trumpeter, composer, and one of the most influential big band leaders of the swing era. Raised in a musical family, Tommy and his older brother Jimmy were taught music by their father, a self-taught musician and coal miner. The brothers began performing professionally as teenagers, forming their first band, the Wild Canaries, and soon became fixtures in the burgeoning jazz scene, playing with prominent orchestras such as those led by Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman[2][4][5].
Tommy Dorsey's career took off in the 1920s and early 1930s, first as a freelance musician and then as co-leader of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. After a split with Jimmy in 1935, Tommy formed his own orchestra, quickly establishing a reputation for his smooth, lyrical trombone style—earning him the nickname 'The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing.' His band became one of the most popular of the late 1930s and 1940s, known for both swinging jazz numbers and lush ballads. Dorsey's perfectionism and keen ear for talent led him to hire and collaborate with some of the era's greatest musicians and vocalists, including a young Frank Sinatra[1][2][3][5].
Dorsey's influence extended beyond his own recordings and performances. He was a technical innovator on the trombone, admired for his breath control and melodic phrasing. His orchestra served as a launching pad for many future stars, and his arrangements helped define the sound of American big band and swing music. Even as the big band era waned, Dorsey remained active, reuniting with his brother Jimmy in the 1950s for television appearances and continuing to perform until his death in 1956[4][5].
Fun Facts
- Tommy Dorsey's theme song, 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You,' became one of the most recognizable tunes of the big band era.
- He was known for his perfectionism and had a reputation for hiring and firing musicians on a whim.
- Dorsey and his brother Jimmy starred in a biographical film, 'The Fabulous Dorseys,' in 1947.
- He played both trombone and trumpet professionally in his early career, a rare feat among jazz musicians.
Associated Acts
- Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra - eponymous, trombone
- Hoagy Carmichael and His Pals - trombone
- Benny Goodman and His Boys - trombone
- Tommy Dorsey and His Clambake Seven - eponymous, trombone
- The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra - eponymous, trombone
- California Ramblers - trombone
- Lee Morse and Her Blue Grass Boys - trombone
- The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra - eponymous, original, trombone
- Art Tatum’s All Stars - trombone
- Tommy Dorsey and His Sentimentalists - eponymous
- Tommy Dorsey and His Novelty Orchestra - eponymous
- Jam Session At Victor
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Thomas Dorsey Sr. - Father and first music teacher, taught both Tommy and Jimmy multiple instruments. (Early family bands, foundational musical training) [1910s–1920s]
- Miff Mole - Influenced Tommy's trombone style, encouraging a shift from 'hot' jazz to a more melodic approach. (Stylistic influence, not specific works) [1920s]
- Louis Armstrong - Inspired Tommy's trumpet playing and approach to phrasing. (Stylistic influence, not specific works) [1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Jimmy Dorsey - Older brother and co-leader of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra; later reunited for 'The Fabulous Dorseys.' (Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, The Fabulous Dorseys (film and band), TV appearances) [1920s–1935, 1953–1956]
- Frank Sinatra - Vocalist with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, launching his solo career. (Numerous recordings (e.g., 'I'll Never Smile Again'), live performances) [1940–1942]
- Sy Oliver - Arranger who helped modernize and revitalize the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra's sound. (Arrangements for Dorsey Orchestra, including 'Well, Git It!') [Late 1930s–1940s]
- Bunny Berigan - Star trumpeter with the orchestra, featured on major hits. ('Marie', 'Song of India') [1937]
- Buddy Rich - Drummer, contributed to the band's dynamic swing sound. (Recordings and live performances with Dorsey Orchestra) [1940s]
Artists Influenced
- Frank Sinatra - Sinatra credited Dorsey with teaching him breath control and phrasing, crucial to his vocal style. (Sinatra's solo recordings and performances) [1940s onward]
- Glenn Miller - Worked as arranger and trombonist with the Dorsey Brothers; later led his own influential orchestra. (Arrangements for Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra) [1930s–1940s]
- Nelson Riddle - Arranger and bandleader influenced by Dorsey's orchestral style. (Arrangements for Sinatra and others) [1950s–1960s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Seventeen Number Ones | 1990-07-17 | Album |
| The Essential Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (with Frank Sinatra) | 2005-09-19 | Album |
| If You Got To Ask, You Ain't Got It! | 1926 | Album |
| The Sentimental Gentleman Of Swing - The Tommy Dorsey Centennial Collection | 1925 | Album |
| I'm Getting Sentimental over You (Remastered) | 2018-07-25 | Album |
| The Incomparable Tommy Dorsey | 2009-08-27 | Album |
| The Homefront 1941-1945 | 1998-05-07 | Album |
| Tommy Dorsey: The Complete Standard Transcriptions | 2004 | Album |
| Tommy Dorsey And His Orchestra Featuring Frank Sinatra | 2025-06-13 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 12: Tommy Dorsey | 2023-03-10 | Album |
| The Incomparable Tommy Dorsey (2015 Remastered) | 2015-01-30 | Album |
| Land of Dreams 1944-46 | 2010 | Album |
| Ultimate Big Band Collection: Tommy Dorsey | 1935 | Album |
| Tommy Dorsey, Jazz Stars | 2014-11-26 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I'll Never Smile Again (The Seventeen Number Ones)
- Polka Dots and Moonbeams (The Essential Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (with Frank Sinatra))
- I'll Be Seeing You (with Frank Sinatra) (The Essential Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (with Frank Sinatra))
- Stardust - Remastered (I'm Getting Sentimental over You (Remastered))
- I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over You (The Sentimental Gentleman Of Swing - The Tommy Dorsey Centennial Collection)
- Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) (The Essential Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (with Frank Sinatra))
- I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
- Say It (The Essential Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (with Frank Sinatra))
- Manhattan Serenade (The Incomparable Tommy Dorsey)
- Sleepy Lagoon (The Incomparable Tommy Dorsey)
External Links
Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #big-band, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Tommy Dorsey has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:04 | Opus #1from 100 Swing & Jazz Classics | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:01 | I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over Youfrom Chronological 1928-1935 | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Nov 15, 2025 | 08:39 | Weary Bluesfrom The Ultimate Jazz Archive | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Nov 15, 2025 | 08:37 | On A Little Bamboo Bridgefrom The Ultimate Jazz Archive | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |