Tommy Dorsey was an American musician and bandleader who is best known for his performances with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, as well as his work in films like Annie Hall, Ship Ahoy, and The Human Stain.
Personal and Family Life
Born on November 19, 1905, in Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania, Tommy Dorsey had a notable career in music. He was married three times: to Mildred Ann Kraft, Patricia Dane, and Jane Karl New, with whom he had two children. His complicated personal life included a feud with his brother Jimmy Dorsey, which led to their temporary breakup as a musical duo.
Death and Legacy
Tommy Dorsey passed away on November 26, 1956, in Greenwich, Connecticut, due to asphyxiation after choking on food. His death was shocking to many, especially given his influence on swing music and the big band era. Despite some controversies in his life, Dorsey’s contributions to music and television, including the introduction of Elvis Presley to TV, have left a lasting legacy.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Girl Crazy | 1943-11-26 | Tommy Dorsey |
| The Fabulous Dorseys | 1947-02-26 | Tommy Dorsey |
| Du Barry was a Lady | 1943-08-13 | Tommy Dorsey |
| A Song Is Born | 1948-10-19 | Tommy Dorsey |
| Broadway Rhythm | 1944-01-19 | Tommy Dorsey |
| Birth of the Blues | 1941-11-07 | Self (archive footage) |
| I Dood It | 1943-09-01 | Tommy Dorsey (uncredited) |
| Las Vegas Nights | 1941-03-28 | Himself |
| Swing Fever | 1943-11-01 | Himself |
| Ship Ahoy | 1942-04-16 | Tommy Dorsey |
| Disc Jockey | 1951-09-30 | Himself |
| A Night in a Dormitory | 1930-01-05 | Trombone Player (uncredited) |
| That’s Entertainment, Part II | 1976-05-16 | (archive footage) |
| The Great Morgan | 1945-01-01 | Tommy Dorsey (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Presenting Lily Mars | 1943-04-29 | Tommy Dorsey |
| Thrill of a Romance | 1945-05-23 | Tommy Dorsey |
| This Is Elvis | 1981-04-03 | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Stage Show | 1954-07-03 | |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |