Tommy Dorsey

Profession: Jazz Trombonist and Big Band Leader

Nationality:

Biography: Tommy Dorsey was an American musician, best known as a trombonist and band leader during the big band era. His style of trombone-playing led to him being nicknamed the 'Sentimental Gentleman of Swing,' with his theme song being "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" (1932).

While Dorsey initially played with a band co-led by his older brother, Jimmy Dorsey, in the late 1930s he started his own band which was met with critical acclaim and widespread success. The golden era of the younger brother was 1940-42. His band was noted for the talented vocalists, including at various times, Edythe Wright, Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, Connie Haines, and Dick Haymes. Staff arrangers included Sy Oliver, Axel Stordahl, and Nelson Riddle.

Dorsey is known for a variety of popular standards, having charted well over 200 songs in the Billboard charts, 17 of them number one hits. Popular titles include: "Opus One" (1944), "I'll Never Smile Again" (1940); "Yes Indeed!" (1941); and "Marie" (1937).

Born: November 19, 1905
Birthplace: Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: November 26, 1956 (aged 51)
Cause of Death: Died in his sleep from choking after eating a heavy meal and taking sleeping pills which left him heavily sedated