Members
Select a Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra was a prominent big band ensemble that defined the swing era with its sophisticated blend of jazz and popular music. The group was led by the renowned trombonist Tommy Dorsey, whose melodic playing became a hallmark of their sound. Known for their dynamic performances, the orchestra featured a rotating lineup of accomplished musicians, including legendary vocalists like Frank Sinatra and instrumentalists such as drummer Buddy Rich. The orchestra's music encompassed genres like big band, swing, and adult standards, making them a staple of American music history.
How to Sound Like Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra
Capturing the lush and vibrant sound of Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra involves focusing on a rich, melodic brass section, complemented by smooth vocal lines and intricate drumming. The ensemble's sonic character is marked by a clean, yet lavish arrangement that balances the warmth of brass instruments with the rhythmic elegance of swing. For vocalists aiming to emulate the clarity and depth of Sinatra's performances, microphones such as the RCA Type 44-BX and RCA 77-DX are crucial for achieving that vintage richness. Drummers might seek the bright, responsive sound of a Zildjian A Series 18'' Medium Thin Crash to replicate the energetic yet refined percussion that drives the orchestra's upbeat numbers. This combination of warm brass, lush vocals, and precise rhythm forms the core of the orchestra's timeless appeal.
Discography
Ultimate Big Band Collection: Tommy Dorsey
1935
In A Sentimental Mood
1956
Musica Desde El Cielo
1958
Tommy Dorsey Legend
1963
Dedicated To You
1964
Last Moments of Greatness, Vol. II
1965
Vol. III - Last Moments of Greatness
1965
Vol. IV - Last Moments of Greatness
1965
This Is Tommy Dorsey
1972
The Seventeen Number Ones
1990
So Little Time
1991
Tommy Dorsey
1992
The Post-War Era
1993
The Homefront 1941-1945
1998
Stardust
1999
Casino Gardens Ballroom 1946
1999
Stop, Look & Listen: 1936-1939
1999
Tommy Dorsey - Complete Jazz Series 1937 Vol. 2
2000
Dorsey, Tommy: Swing High (1936-1940)
2003
Tommy Dorsey: The Complete Standard Transcriptions
2004
March/June 1940 Broadcasts To S. America
2006
Live In Hi-Fi At CasinoGardens
2006
Tommy Dorsey And His Clambake Seven 1936-1938
2007
After All
2008
The Incomparable Tommy Dorsey
2009
Land of Dreams 1944-46
2010
The Complete Dorsey, Vol. 2
2010
The Indispensable Tommy Dorsey, Vol. 3 & 4
2011
Tommy Dorsey & His Original Orchestra
2011
Tommy Dorsey King of Swing
2011
The Later Tommy Dorsey, Vol. 3
2011
Tommy Dorsey, Jazz Stars
2014
Jazz Archives Presents: The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra featuring The Clambake Seven (1935-1936)
2017
I'm Getting Sentimental over You (Remastered)
2018
Night and Day (Remastered)
2018
The Dorsey Brothers Vol. 1 - 1928
2020
The Dorsey Brothers, Vol. 4 - 1930-1934
2020
Bless This Music
2020
Win Again
2020
Kind of Masters
2020
The Dorsey Brothers: Dorsey Stomp
2021
Spring Songs
2022
Music Maestro Please!
2022
Tommy Dorsey And His Orchestra Featuring Frank Sinatra
2025
Get the Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra Sound
Want to sound like Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
