# Tommy Dorsey

> American big band leader and musician

**Wikidata**: [Q313529](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313529)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Dorsey)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tommy-dorsey

## Summary
Tommy Dorsey was an American big band leader and musician, best known for his influential work in jazz and swing music during the mid-20th century. He was a prominent conductor, trumpeter, and trombonist who led the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and recorded extensively for Decca Records, shaping the sound of American popular music.

## Biography
- Born: November 19, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Leading the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and pioneering swing music
- Employer(s): Decca Records, RCA Records
- Field(s): Jazz, big band music, conducting

## Contributions
- Led the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, which became one of the most successful big bands of the 1930s and 1940s, known for hits like "In the Mood" and "Ain't We Got Fun."
- Recorded extensively for Decca Records, contributing to the evolution of swing and big band music.
- Composed and arranged numerous popular songs that became standards in jazz and pop music.
- Served as a conductor, trumpeter, and trombonist, shaping the sound of his orchestra through his instrumental skills.

## FAQs
**What was Tommy Dorsey known for?**
Tommy Dorsey was known for leading the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, a prominent big band in the 1930s and 1940s, and for his contributions to swing and jazz music.

**Where did Tommy Dorsey work?**
Tommy Dorsey worked for Decca Records and RCA Records, where he recorded and led his orchestra.

**What instruments did Tommy Dorsey play?**
Tommy Dorsey played the trumpet and trombone, in addition to conducting his orchestra.

**What are some of Tommy Dorsey's notable recordings?**
Some of Tommy Dorsey's notable recordings include "In the Mood" and "Ain't We Got Fun," which became popular hits.

## Why They Matter
Tommy Dorsey mattered as a pioneer of swing and big band music, whose orchestra and recordings influenced generations of musicians. His work helped define the sound of American popular music in the mid-20th century, and his compositions and arrangements remain influential in jazz and pop music. His leadership in the music industry and his contributions to recording standards made him a significant figure in the evolution of American music.

## Notable For
- Leading the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, one of the most successful big bands of the 1930s and 1940s.
- Recording extensively for Decca Records, contributing to the development of swing and big band music.
- Composing and arranging popular songs that became standards in jazz and pop music.
- Playing the trumpet and trombone, shaping the sound of his orchestra through his instrumental skills.
- Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to music.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Tommy Dorsey was born on November 19, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois. He began his musical career as a trumpet and trombone player, joining various bands in the 1920s. His early work included playing with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra and the Benny Goodman Orchestra, where he honed his skills as a musician and conductor.

### Leading the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
In the 1930s, Dorsey formed his own orchestra, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, which became one of the most successful big bands of the era. The orchestra was known for its energetic performances and innovative arrangements, blending swing, jazz, and pop music. Dorsey served as both the conductor and a featured instrumentalist, playing the trumpet and trombone.

### Recording and Musical Contributions
Dorsey recorded extensively for Decca Records, contributing to the evolution of swing and big band music. His recordings included hits like "In the Mood" and "Ain't We Got Fun," which became popular standards. He also composed and arranged numerous songs that influenced jazz and pop music. His work helped define the sound of American popular music in the mid-20th century.

### Industry Influence and Legacy
Tommy Dorsey's contributions to the music industry were significant, shaping the sound of swing and big band music. His orchestra and recordings influenced generations of musicians, and his compositions and arrangements remain influential in jazz and pop music. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to music, recognizing his lasting impact on the industry.

### Later Career and Death
In the 1950s, Dorsey continued to work in the music industry, recording and performing with his orchestra. He passed away on November 26, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of swing and big band music. His work and influence continue to be celebrated in the music industry, with his recordings and compositions remaining popular and influential.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. IMDb
4. Find a Grave
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. SNAC
9. filmportal.de
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Czech National Authority Database
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. IdRef
15. CONOR.SI
16. BBC Things
17. Discogs
18. Quora
19. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
20. The Movie Database