Talk with Tommy Dorsey

Tommy Dorsey was an influential American jazz trombonist, composer, conductor, and bandleader of the Big Band era. He was born on November 19, 1905, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, and died on November 26, 1956. Known as the "Sentimental Gentleman of Swing," because of his smooth-toned trombone playing, his bands were among the most popular in the world from the late 1930s through the 1940s.

Dorsey was known for his ability to work with highly talented musicians and for having one of the most successful big bands in jazz history. Some of the famous musicians who played in his band included trumpeter Bunny Berigan, drummer Buddy Rich, and, most notably, singer Frank Sinatra, who rose to great fame during his time with Dorsey.

Tommy Dorsey had numerous hit records and was known for his standards such as "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," which became his theme song, as well as "Opus One," "Marie," and "Song of India." His band was known for its ability to perform both jazz standards and swing music.

Apart from his music career, Tommy's personal life included a notable rivalry with his brother Jimmy Dorsey, who was also a prominent musician and bandleader. Despite their personal and professional conflicts, they occasionally reunited to perform together.

Tommy Dorsey's impact on jazz and swing music remains significant, as he helped shape the sound of American popular music during the first half of the 20th century. His recordings continue to be celebrated for their technical proficiency and emotive qualities.

Tommy Dorsey's interest in jazz music was largely inspired by the vibrant music scene he grew up in and the influence of his musical family. His father, Thomas Francis Dorsey Sr., was a music teacher and bandmaster who introduced Tommy and his brother Jimmy Dorsey to music at a very young age. Tommy initially learned to play the trumpet and later mastered the trombone, which became his signature instrument.

The Dorsey family’s environment was steeped in music, with both parents involved in teaching and performing, thus exposing Tommy to a variety of musical forms, including classical and jazz, from an early age. The growth of jazz in the early 20th century, along with the Big Band era, was a significant cultural wave that certainly impacted Dorsey as a young musician.

Additionally, his early professional exposure playing in bands with his brother Jimmy and their experiences in the New York music scene during the 1920s also shaped his musical interests and skills, solidifying his love for jazz and swing music.

Tommy Dorsey began his musical career in the 1920s, influenced strongly by his family background in music. His father, Thomas Francis Dorsey Sr., was a music teacher and bandmaster, which profoundly shaped Tommy and his brother Jimmy's early exposure and interest in music. From a young age, Tommy Dorsey learned to play various instruments, with a particular focus on trombone and trumpet.

Tommy and his brother Jimmy started performing in various bands and orchestras during their youth. One of their first significant professional engagements was with bands like the Scranton Sirens, where they gained essential experience and exposure. In the mid-1920s, they moved to Philadelphia and later New York City, where they continued to develop their skills and reputation in the jazz and dance band scenes.

By the late 1920s and early 1930s, Tommy Dorsey was a well-regarded musician and had started recording sessions and playing with various orchestras. This period helped him refine his style and led to forming the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra with Jimmy in 1934. However, their partnership in this band was short-lived due to personal and professional disagreements.

Tommy Dorsey then formed his own band in 1935, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, which became one of the defining ensembles of the Big Band era, showcasing his skill as a trombonist and bandleader. This move marked the true beginning of his illustrious career in the music industry.

Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, one of the leading big bands of the Swing Era, disbanded in the face of several challenges that were common to many big bands during the post-World War II era. The changing musical tastes of the public, which shifted towards bebop, rhythm and blues, and eventually rock 'n' roll, reduced the popular demand for big band music. Additionally, economic factors, such as the rising costs of touring with a large group, made big bands less viable. The advent of television and other forms of entertainment also contributed to a decrease in the audiences for big band performances.

Tommy Dorsey himself continued to perform until his death in 1956, after which his orchestra carried on under different leadership. However, the original spirit and context of the band dissolved as music and public preferences evolved.

Tommy Dorsey, like many musicians of his time, faced several challenges throughout his career despite his significant success as a bandleader and trombonist.

1. Personality Clashes: Dorsey was known for his perfectionism and temperamental nature, which sometimes led to conflicts with musicians in his band. This included his famous feud with his brother Jimmy Dorsey, with whom he led the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra before they split up to form their own bands due to personal disagreements.

2. Competition: The Big Band era was highly competitive, with many bands vying for prominence at the same time. Maintaining a top position in the industry required constant innovation and adaptation, which was challenging given the evolving tastes of the public.

3. Economic Conditions: The Great Depression and World War II imposed economic strains on big bands, affecting travel, employment opportunities, and entertainment spending. Although Tommy Dorsey was relatively successful during these times, these conditions did present challenges in terms of securing profitable engagements and maintaining a large orchestra.

4. Shifts in Musical Tastes: The rise of bebop and smaller jazz ensembles in the late 1940s and early 1950s changed the musical landscape significantly. The popularity of big bands waned as musical tastes shifted toward rock and roll and other forms of music. Adapting to these changes while staying true to his musical roots was a continual challenge.

5. Personal Issues: Dorsey had personal challenges as well, including struggles with alcoholism. These personal issues could sometimes impact his professional life and relationships within the music industry.

Despite these challenges, Tommy Dorsey’s talent and business acumen allowed him to remain a pivotal figure in the history of American music, particularly in the Big Band and swing music genres.

Tommy Dorsey, celebrated for his influence in the big band era, recorded numerous hits that have become classics in the swing and jazz genres. Some of his most famous songs include:

1. "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" - This became Dorsey's theme song, and it features his smooth trombone playing that exemplifies his controlled and warm tone.

2. "Marie" - A hit that showcases the Dorsey orchestra's powerful brass and rhythmic precision, and it features charming vocals that were typical of the big band era.

3. "Opus One" - This up-tempo instrumental highlights the band's energetic style and has remained a favorite among swing dancers.

4. "Song of India" - A beautiful arrangement of Rimsky-Korsakov's melody, this song showcases Dorsey's ability to blend classical influences with big band jazz.

5. "On the Sunny Side of the Street" - Featuring a catchy and upbeat vibe, this tune is one of the staples of the swing era.

These songs not only highlight Tommy Dorsey's musical talent but also his ability to lead one of the most popular orchestras of the time. His recordings continue to be celebrated for their artistic quality and historical importance in the realm of popular music.

Tommy Dorsey, one of the leading big band leaders of the swing era, had numerous hits throughout his career. He charted over 286 Billboard singles, with 17 reaching number one. Some of his most famous hits include "I'll Never Smile Again," which featured Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers, "There Are Such Things," "Opus One," and "The Music Goes 'Round and Around." His innovative style and leadership helped to shape the sound of swing music, contributing to his long-standing popularity and numerous chart-topping tracks.

Tommy Dorsey met Mildred Kraft when she was a dancer at the Casino Gardens in Ocean Park, California, where Tommy and his orchestra were playing in 1941. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage shortly after they met. Mildred, often known by her nickname "Toots," became an integral part of Dorsey's personal and professional life, supporting him throughout his career. Their relationship highlights the social circles and connections that often formed around the big band scene during that era.

Frank Sinatra learned a great deal from Tommy Dorsey during his time with the Dorsey band, particularly in terms of vocal technique and professional discipline.

1. Breathing Techniques: Sinatra observed Dorsey’s control over his trombone using a technique known as the “circular breathing”. This is a method where the player breathes in through the nose while simultaneously pushing air out through the mouth using air stored in the cheeks. Sinatra adapted this for singing, which allowed him to hold notes for longer periods and improve his phrasing - a key characteristic of his singing style.

2. Phrasing and Timing: Sinatra admired Dorsey's ability to phrase his music and how he could make the melody flow seamlessly. This influenced Sinatra's approach to singing, emphasizing the lyrical content and how it could be naturally delivered to enhance the emotional impact of the song.

3. Professionalism: Dorsey was known for his strict leadership and demanding nature concerning the performance quality of his band. Working under Dorsey, Sinatra learned the importance of discipline, rehearsal, and the professionalism that was required to succeed in the music business.

4. Musical Exposure: Being a part of Dorsey’s band also gave Sinatra exposure to a vast repertoire and styles of music, as well as the opportunity to perform in front of large audiences. This experience was invaluable as it helped build his confidence and stage presence.

These learnings were crucial in shaping Sinatra's early career and his future success as a solo artist. His time with Tommy Dorsey was a significant period that left a lasting impact on his singing style and professional approach.

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