Tommy Dorsey (November 19, 1905 – November 26, 1956) was Jimmy’s younger brother and the more temperamental of the two. He was generally blamed for the feuding between the two that eventually brought about the demise of the Dorsey Brothers band. As a youngster, Tommy shared the same musical gift as his older brother and was equally adept at both trumpet and his main instrument the trombone.

Tommy was a hot player at heart, having recorded a few hot sides by 1927 and continued to play with smaller ensembles throughout his career. During the 1930’s after the break-up of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra Tommy formed his own group from the remnants of the old Joe Haymes’ Orchestra. During this period Tommy also led a number of smaller hot groups that were formed with members of the big band. He also freelanced and played with a number of legendary jazzmen including Louis Armstrong, Mezz Mezzrow, George Wettling, Jack Teagarden, Red Allen, Eddie Condon and Pops Foster.

In 1953 the Dorsey Brothers reunited when Jimmy joined Tommy’s band. From 1955-’56 the Brothers had their own show on the CBS network, “Stage Show,” which gave them nationwide coverage.—by Ted Gottsegen

Also See: Tommy Dorsey: Profiles in Jazz

The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra	Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra
Tom Dorsey and his Novelty Orchestra	Tom Dorsey and his Clambake Seven
The Dorsey Brothers Concert Orchestra	The Travelers

Title	Recording Date	Recording Location	Company
It’s Right Here For You (Perry Bradford)	6-13-1929	New York, New York	Okeh
Maybe (a) (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin)	7-14-1932	New York, New York	Okeh
Maybe (b) (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin)	7-14-1932	New York, New York	Okeh
Three Moods (Tommy Dorsey)	7-14-1932	New York, New York	Okeh
Three Moods (a) (Tommy Dorsey)	8-6-1932	New York, New York	Okeh
Three Moods (b) (Tommy Dorsey)	8-6-1932	New York, New York	Okeh
Tiger Rag (Nick LaRocca)	6-13-1929	New York, New York	Okeh

Artist	Instrument
Bunny Berigan	Trumpet
Artie Bernstein	Bass
Larry Binyon	Tenor Saxophone
Jimmy Dorsey	Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
Tommy Dorsey	Cornet
Stan King	Drums
Carl Kress	Guitar
Manny Klein	Trumpet
Eddie Lang	Guitar
Fulton McGrath	Piano
Arthur Schutt	Harmonium
Jimmy Williams	Bass, Tuba

Title	Director	Year
Segar Ellis and His Embassy Club Orchestra		1929
Alice Boulden and her Orchestra		1929
Las Vegas Nights	Ralph Murphy	1941
Ship Ahoy	Edward Buzzell	1942
Presenting Lily Mars	Norman Taurog	1943
Du Barry Was a Lady	Roy Del Ruth	1943
Thrill of a Romance	Richard Thorpe	1945
The Fabulous Dorseys	Will Jason	1947
A Song Is Born	Howard Hawks	1948
Disc Jockey	Will Jason	1951

Tommy Dorsey; Living In A Great Big Way by Peter J. Levinson, Da Capo Press 2005

Tommy & Jimmy: The Dorsey Years by Herb Sanford, Arlington House 1972