Swing-era bandleader with the most overall popularity, driven by his remarkably melodic trombone playing.
Though he might have been ranked second at any given moment to Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, or Harry James, Tommy Dorsey was overall the most popular bandleader of the swing era that lasted from 1935 to 1945. His remarkably melodic trombone playing was the signature sound of his orchestra, but he successfully straddled the hot and sweet styles of swing with a mix of ballads and novelty songs. He provided showcases to vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Dick Haymes, and Jo Stafford, and he employed inventive arrangers such as Sy Oliver and Bill Finegan. He was the biggest-selling artist in the history of RCA Victor Records, one of the major labels, until the arrival of Elvis Presley, who was first given national exposure on the 1950s television show he hosted with his brother Jimmy.

Though he might have been ranked second at any given moment to Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, or Harry James, Tommy Dorsey was overall the most popular bandleader of the swing era that lasted from 1935 to 1945. His remarkably melodic trombone playing was the signature sound of his orchestra, but he successfully straddled the hot and sweet styles of swing with a mix of ballads and novelty songs. He provided showcases to vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Dick Haymes, and Jo Stafford, and he employed inventive arrangers such as Sy Oliver and Bill Finegan. He was the biggest-selling artist in the history of RCA Victor Records, one of the major labels, until the arrival of Elvis Presley, who was first given national exposure on the 1950s television show he hosted with his brother Jimmy.

Avid Jazz here presents three classic Dorsey Brothers albums plus, including original LP liner notes on a finely re-mastered double CD. 'The Fabulous Dorseys In Hi-Fi Vols 1 & 2', 'Sentimental & Swinging', plus unreleased CBS Radio Network recordings. Columbia’s double set 'The Fabulous Dorseys In Hi-Fi Vols 1 & 2' and 'Sentimental & Swinging' make up the thirty six recordings made by Tommy Dorsey in early 1955. Sadly they also constitute the last recordings the Dorsey Brothers made together! These classic big band sessions together with the previously unreleased CBS Radio Network recordings (which were cancelled when Tommy tragically and unexpectedly died) make this latest release from Avid Jazz a truly essential addition to our fine and highly regarded catalogue.

When Frank Sinatra joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, it was as replacement for crooner Jack Leonard. The first Dorsey-Sinatra recordings, made for Victor, followed in february 1940. As was the fashion at the time, the Dorsey aggregation also featured a vocal group - the Pied Pipers. Sinatra was no beginner, having launched his professional career in the mid-thirties. His first employer of any renown, however, had been trumpeter Harry James, who signed him on to sing with his new big band in late 1939. But, by the following january, Sinatra had joined Dorsey, staying with the celebrated trombonist's outfit until the end of 1942…