TOMMY DORSEY

Tommy Dorsey (1905-1956) was one of the key leaders of the “big band era” of American popular music. The Glenn Miller Collections of the American Music Research Center at the University of Colorado Boulder houses the premier collection of Dorsey recordings, papers, and images. Therefore, Dennis M. Spragg has cataloged the Tommy Dorsey Collection and prepared a comprehensive history of Dorsey’s career. Moreover, the Dorsey Resource documents all of Dorsey’s activities, including recording sessions, radio broadcasts, personal appearances, personnel, motion pictures and media. Therefore, the documentation includes detailed year-to-year histories and index of song titles, record releases and radio scripts. Extensive information from entertainment industry periodicals and other publicity and images appears in the catalog. Furthermore, Dorsey promoted the careers of Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford and a galaxy of prominent pop and jazz stars. Learn more about the life and career of Tommy Dorsey, known as the Starmaker:

THE FORMATIVE 30’S

The restless and volatile “TD” walked away from his brother Jimmy and their Dorsey Brothers Orchestra in 1935. However, he then formed his own band. Designed around talented jazz musicians including Bunny Berigan, Bud Freeman and Dave Tough, the group won almost immediate popularity with the public. Moreover, with the “swing era” underway, depression-weary young Americans gravitated to the “swing” and “sweet” sound of the Dorsey band. Led by Dorsey’s legendary trombone virtuosity, the band also featured the voices of attractive Edythe Wright and romantic Jack Leonard. Propelled by many appearances around the nation, radio broadcasts and popular Victor records, the band became a favorite among college students and teens. Consequently, TD’s talent, personality and style also became familiar and comfortable for audiences of all ages. Learn more about TD in the ’30s:  

THE SPECTACULAR 40’S

It was not in TD’s nature to sit still. Therefore, he made a major makeover going into 1940. But the band would soon reach its pinnacle. TD hired Jimmie Lunceford’s excellent arranger Sy Oliver to update his “swing” library with new and powerful charts. Moreover, the band was driven by the talented drummer Buddy Rich and trumpet legend Ziggy Elman. Furthermore, arranger Axel Stordahl penned intimate and beautiful charts for one-of-a-kind vocalist Frank Sinatra. Likewise, pert Connie Haines and the talented vocal group the Pied Pipers with the star Jo Stafford cemented the Dorsey “brand.” TD even added an expensive string section to the band. In addition to a weekly commercial NBC radio series, numerous sustaining network broadcasts and best-selling RCA Victor records, the band appeared in a series of Hollywood musicals. Consequently, even with major personnel changes, TD continued his elevated level of quality and consistency. Learn more about TD in the ’40s:

THE TRANSITIONAL 50’S

Following the war years, and as musical tastes changed, many bands and bandleaders folded. However, TD continued forward with continued popularity and consistent success. In the early 1950s he welcomed home “the brother” Jimmy Dorsey. With the support of their close friend Jackie Gleason, the brothers appeared on network television. Likewise, in a generational transition, they welcomed Elvis Presley to their CBS “Stage Show” program. TD and JD worked together until Tommy’s untimely passing in 1956. Additional chapters will document the balance of TD history from 1947 to 1956. Therefore, please check back for updates.

UNSURPASSED LEGACY

The lifespan of the Dorsey band was twenty-one years (1935-1956). As one of America’s consistently popular entertainers, TD left us an unsurpassed musical legacy. In conclusion, the Dorsey body of work is immense. Therefore, the TD Resource continues to be a work in progress. A summary and examination of recordings, broadcasts, appearances, song titles, arrangements and radio scripts are contained in the ever-expanding TD Index. Consequently, please check from time to time for updates. The TD Index can be found here:

TD INDEX

In conclusion, a talented team has helped Dennis to make possible the production of the Tommy Dorsey Resource. Furthermore, also of interest are the Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw and many other resources that you can find at the Dennis M. Spragg website. We all owe them our thanks and appreciation. Particular thanks go to Bengt Olsson and David Fletcher for proofreading, additions and guidance. For further information: