Tommy Dorsey

November 19, 1905 – November 26, 1956

Throughout his 35 years career as a professional trombonist and bandleader, Tommy Dorsey established himself as one of the most popular musicians of his era. It’s often forgotten that the musicians we study now were the elite popular musicians of their time. During the 1930s and 1940s Dorsey had 286 Billboard chart hits, including 17 number one singles. 

In addition to his commercial success, Dorsey’s signature style has been adopted by generations of musicians. His slide vibrato, phrasing, and fluidity have inspired countless trombonists, and Frank Sinatra cited Dorsey as one of his primary influences. Sinatra was a member of the Tommy Dorsey orchestra from 1940-1942, and he can be heard on 80 records with the band. In the classical realm, Dorsey’s playing has been attributed as one of the primary inspirations for Henri Tomasi’s “Concerto for Trombone.”

For more information about Dorsey please visit https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tommy-dorsey-mn0000934072/biography