Even though a number of music instrumentalists had emerged in the Swing era only few could be at par with Tommy Dorsey, the pleasant trombonist player. Furthermore, the musician was a noted bandleader of the same era. Despite co-managing the band with his brother, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy would leave an exquisite mark in the orchestra through his soulful trombone playing. Later, he would become one of the most successful bandleaders of his own orchestra. His works are often broadcasted on the jazz music radio station in the USA, so you might not want to miss the chance of exploring Dorsey’s musical artistry. However much we enjoy classic music, there is a different joy in knowing the life and background of our favorite artists. A useful insight helps us to know the personality we look up to even better. On this point, we are all on the same page, aren’t we? This write-up, you have guessed it right, discusses the career of Tommy Dorsey. So, let us wait no more and delve into the topic.
Early career with Jimmy
Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey received music lessons from their father Thomas Francis Dorsey, Sr. Suprisingly, early in his career, Tommy would try his hands at both trumpet and trombone. Having gathered experiences by playing for the local groups, the two brothers ventured into creating their very own band, named Dorsey's Novelty Six. As their contract with the Okeh Records materialized, the band was popularly called the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. It was under the Decca Records that The Dorseys developed a full-time band and signed Bob Crosby as the lead vocalist. The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra was on the way to become the most popular big band but disagreements between the two brothers caused Tommy Dorsey to leave his elder’s brother’s side thereby quitting the band.
A fresh beginning for Tommy Dorsey
Dorsey started afresh as he took the charge of managing the band of Jo Haymes. No sooner did he sign with the RCA Victor Records, Dorsey tasted a surprising success with a song “On Treasure Island”, featuring Edythe Wright on vocals. The series of hits continued with jazz swing like "The Music Goes Round and Round", "Alone" and "You". Dorsey also hosted a popular radio series that ran for three long years. With the commercial success still at the peak, Dorsey introduced some alterations in the band. As its longtime female vocalist, Edythe Wright departed, the leader signed in Connie Haines. Dorsey also replaced Jack Leonard with Frank Sinatra as the lead male singer.
The year 1937 was a path-breaking one for Tommy as 18 of his musical pieces featured in the top ten hits. The chart-toppers like Satan Takes a Holiday" (an instrumental), "The Dipsy Doodle" by Edythe Write and "Marie" (by Jack Leonard) were on everyone’s lips. Another feather was added to his cap when Dorsey ranked the second most popular recording artist in the same year. With a total of 10 top ten hits, Tommy earned the third position as the top recording artist.
With the US entering into World War II, the big bands and swing jazz artists found themselves in a topsy turvy condition. Due to a strike called by Musicians’ Federation, artists could not enter into the recording studios. Despite Sinatra leaving the orchestra, Dorsey proceeded with the band to participate in Ship Ahoy, a second motion film. By 1944 and 1945, the band leader regained his past popularity as he continued giving back to back top ten hits.
Reunion with Jimmy
Tommy Dorsey oscillated between disbanding and gathering his orchestra for some time. However, he got back with his brother, Jimmy and revived the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. They launched Stage Show, a television series in 1954. The reunion would be for a short while as Tommy passed away aged 51 due to an accidental choking. With Jimmy passing way in 1957, the band continued under the stewardship of Warren Covington.
Conclusion- During the 1930s and 1940s swing in the USA, Tommy’s band was a regular second or third rank holder in the list of most popular orchestras. Dorsey was known as the "the sentimental gentleman of swing” due to his soulful trombone playing. You can enjoy his memorable music exclusively on the jazz music radio station in the USA.
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