Tommy Dorsey Biography

American musician Tommy Dorsey was one of the most influential figures in the creation of Swing Era music. Noted for his trombone and trumpeting skills as well as his role as bandleader, Dorsey’s style forever changed the landscape of American popular music.

Thomas Francis Dorsey Jr, known popularly as Tommy Dorsey, was born November 19, 1905 in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.

Wasting no time, his professional career kicked off when he was just sixteen. In this year, Dorsey teamed up with Russ Morgan to form the big band outfit of The Scranton Sirens.

Dorsey and his brother, Jimmy Dorsey, were subsequently tied to bands headed by the likes of Vincent Lopez, Paul Whiteman, Rudy Vallee, and others.

By 1934, they decided to try it on their own, and as such, they became the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. Tension between the brothers steadily grew, however, and the band split in 1935.

Dorsey rebounded almost immediately with a new band, which included Joe Haymes. Finding themselves under contract with RCA Victor, their first hit was “On Treasure Island.” They subsequently released “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You,” which hit the Billboards not long after.

Frequently featuring guest musicians, Dorsey’s band provided a venue for greats such as Frank Sinatra, Ziggy Elman, Bunny Berigan, Carl Seyerinsen, George Seaberg, and others.

Although he officially disbanded in 1946 as the musical tastes of the United States were moving away from Big Band, Dorsey created yet another band in 1947.

Reconciling his differences with his brother, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra was once again resurrected. Their popularity was great enough to warrant a tour, and in turn, they were offered the opportunity for the television program Stage Show. With this program, they had notable musical guests such as Elvis Presley.

Dorsey cited his influences as Jack Teagarden and Sy Oliver.

In his personal life, Dorsey was married three times.

His first marriage was at the age of seventeen to Mildred Kraft, who was sixteen at the time. Eloping, they married in 1922. They had two children before divorcing in 1943.

His second wife was actress Patricia Dane. They wed in 1943 and were together until 1947.

His last marriage was to Jane New Dorsey. They also had two children. A noted dancer known for performances at the Copacabana, Dorsey was with her until his death on November 26, 1956.

Dorsey passed away at the age of fifty-one in his home located in Greenwich, Connecticut. He asphyxiated in his sleep after having a large meal and taking several sleeping pills.

The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra continued to create music under the leadership of Warren Covington and Buddy Morrow. The band paid homage to Dorsey with the 1961 album I Remember Tommy.