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10 Facts about American Trombonist and Bandleader Tommy Dorsey
- Born into a Musical Family. Tommy Dorsey was the son of a music teacher and a marching band director. He also had an older brother, Jimmy, with whom he founded The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.
- He was often called the Sentimental Gentleman of Swing. After splitting with his brother, Tommy founded his Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and recorded the song “I’m Getting Sentimental over You,” which was first performed in 1932 and led to his nickname.
- The Leader of a Few Bands. His creative journey began with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, where he played alongside his brother. After their split in 1935, Tommy founded his new band, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. In the early 1950s, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey reunited and started working together again in a new version of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.
- Unique Orchestra’s Sound. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra’s music featured sophisticated arrangements, blending swing numbers with heartfelt ballads.
- His Band featured Frank Sinatra on Vocal. Tommy hired a 24-years-old Frank Sinatra in 1940, and he stayed in his band during the next 3 years. His smooth singing style perfectly complemented Dorsey's arrangements, adding the sentimental vibe to their music.
- Distinct Playing Style. Tommy’s band stood out due to how they performed romantic ballads. Tommy’s smooth legato phrases and accurate intonation evoked vivid emotions in the audience and added sentimental vibes to the swing music.
- Chart Success. Tommy managed to achieve 286 entries on the Billboard charts.
- Outstanding Collaborations. Throughout his career, Tommy had several notable collaborations, including the ones with actor and singer Frank Sinatra, pop singer Jo Stafford, jazz trumpeter Bunny Berigan, drummer Buddy Rich, arranger Sy Oliver, and others.
- He was featured on Radio and TV Programs. Dorsey and his Orchestra were invited to a radio show "The Raleigh-Kool Program" and TV series "Stage Show".
- He Set New Standards for Trombonists. His smooth, lyrical style influenced many trombone players while his ability to blend jazz, swing, and popular music, drew even more public attention to big band music, making it popular.
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