Dorsey Brothers were popular American bandleaders and jazz musicians during the swing era of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Jimmy Dorsey (1904-1957) and Tommy Dorsey (1905-1956) recorded together early in their careers, but they spent most of their careers leading their own orchestras. Jimmy Dorsey gained fame for his performances on the clarinet and alto saxophone. Tommy Dorsey became one of the finest trombonists of his time, especially known for his beautiful tone.
James Dorsey was born on Feb. 29, 1904, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. Tommy Dorsey was born on Nov. 27, 1905, in Mahonoy Plane, Pennsylvania. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, they played in several bands and recorded frequently. They jointly led a band in 1934 and 1935, until Tommy left following a dispute with his brother. Jimmy then took over full leadership of the band.
Tommy Dorsey formed his own band in 1935. The group gained national fame in 1937 with its hit recordings of “Marie” and “Song of India.” The band’s later hits included “Boogie Woogie” (1938) and “Opus 1” (1944). The band’s theme song, “I’m Getting Sentimental over You” (first recorded by the Dorsey brothers in 1932), also became well known. Many major jazz musicians passed through the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, including trumpeters Bunny Berigan and Charlie Shavers, trombonist Glenn Miller, reed players Buddy DeFranco and Bud Freeman, pianist Joe Bushkin, and drummers Buddy Rich and Dave Tough. Vocalist Frank Sinatra sang with the band from 1940 to 1942.
Jimmy Dorsey led a successful band during the late 1930’s and 1940’s, featuring singers Bob Eberly and Helen O’Connell. Both Tommy and Jimmy appeared on radio shows and in musical motion pictures with their bands during that time. The brothers reunited to lead a band together beginning in 1953. Tommy Dorsey died on Nov. 26, 1956. Jimmy took over the band after his brother’s death and led it for several months before ill health forced him to leave. Jimmy recorded “So Rare” in early 1957, which became a hit shortly before his death on June 12, 1957.
