| Tommy Dorsey  AKA Thomas Francis Dorsey
Born: 19-Nov-1905
Birthplace: Shenandoah, PA
Died: 26-Nov-1956
Location of death: Greenwich, CT
Cause of death: Accident - Choking
Remains: Buried, Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY
Gender: Male
Race or Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Musician Nationality: United States
Executive summary: Popular bandleader One of the most popular bandleaders of the Big Band era, Tommy Dorsey grew up learning his future profession from his music-teacher father alongside his older brother Jimmy Dorsey. The two brothers formed a number of bands together beginning when they were still teenagers, but the first fully professional group, The Dorsey Brother's Orchestra, was founded in 1934 after the pair had moved to New York. Tommy's volatile temperament kept his involvement short, however: following a heated argument with his brother, he walked out on the band in 1935.
After his departure, Tommy took control of the Joe Haymes Orchestra; re-christened under his leadership, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra became one of the leading swing bands of its time. Dorsey employed top arrangers and musicians to maintain the orchestra's public stature, including up-and-coming singer Frank Sinatra who established his international popularity during his tenure with the band.
In 1953, as the popularity of Big Bands was on the wane, Tommy reunited with his brother, inviting Jimmy to join his band and once again giving it the Dorsey Brothers name. The two also hosted their own show on CBS, Stage Show - an episode of which featured an early appearance of Elvis Presley. Brother: Jimmy Dorsey (musician, b. 1904, d. 1957)
(band:band) the-tommy-dorsey-orchestra
Hollywood Walk of Fame 6675 Hollywood Blvd (recordings)
Radio Hall of Fame
Cholecystectomy New York City (1952)
FILMOGRAPHY AS ACTOR
A Song is Born (19-Oct-1948) · Himself
The Fabulous Dorseys (21-Feb-1947) · Himself
Thrill of a Romance (23-May-1945) · Himself
Broadway Rhythm (19-Jan-1944) · Himself
Girl Crazy (26-Nov-1943) · Himself
Du Barry Was a Lady (13-Aug-1943) · Himself
Presenting Lily Mars (29-Apr-1943) · Himself
Ship Ahoy (May-1942) · Himself
Las Vegas Nights (19-Mar-1941)
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