Tommy Dorsey

American big band leader and musician

Thomas Francis Dorsey Jr. (November 19, 1905 – November 26, 1956)[1] was an American jazz trombonist, composer, conductor and bandleader. He was an important person in swing music.[2] His theme song was "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You". He is best known for "Opus One", "Song of India", "Marie", "On Treasure Island", and his biggest hit single, "I'll Never Smile Again".

Tommy Dorsey
Tommy Dorsey in 1947
Tommy Dorsey in 1947
Background information
Birth nameThomas Francis Dorsey Jr.
Born(1905-11-19)November 19, 1905
Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedNovember 26, 1956(1956-11-26) (aged 51)
Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Bandleader
  • trombonist
  • conductor
Instruments
  • Trombone
  • trumpet
  • cornet
Years active1921–1956
Labels

Dorsey died on November 26, 1956 in Greenwich, Connecticut after choking in his sleep, aged 51.

References change

  1. Levinson, Peter J. (25 March 2009). Tommy Dorsey: Livin' in a Great Big Way, A Biography. Hachette Books. p. 303. ISBN 9780786734948. Retrieved 2021-07-26 – via Google Books.
  2. "Dorsey, Thomas Francis Jr. ("Tommy," "The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing")". Pennsylvania Center For The Book/Lisa A. Moore. n.d. [date published unknown]. Archived from the original on 2013-05-15. Retrieved 2009-10-20.