Biography of Tommy Dorsey

Tommy worked with his younger brother from the '20s until the 1934 argument that split them. After that, he took over Joe Haymes's orchestra. His efforts to woo big stars with huge (for the era) salaries helped his orchestra become prominent. The best-known member was a singer named Frank Sinatra. Dorsey kept up with changes by adding a string section in 1942 and Charlie Shavers in 1945. A 1947 film, The Fabulous Dorseys, fancified their lives. They reunited in 1953. He billed himself "The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing." ~ Ron Wynn