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Dorsey, Tommy (Thomas) 1905-56
US trombonist and bandleader

Born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, the son of a band-leader, he formed big bands, sometimes co-led by his brother Jimmy (1904-57, alto saxophone, clarinet), that included many accomplished jazz soloists. They existed as the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra from 1932 to 1935, reforming again in 1953 until Tommy's death. Both brothers were in great demand as session musicians in the late 1920s, with the expansion of radio in the USA, and their fame was revived through a regular television show in the 1950s. Renowned for its sweet-toned instrumental style, his work hovered between jazz and dance music.