Mel Torme
Mel Tormé: The Velvet Fog
Melvin Howard Tormé (September 13, 1925 - June 4, 1999) was an American singer, songwriter, arranger, drummer, pianist, and actor. Known for his smooth, velvety voice, he earned the nickname "The Velvet Fog."
Early Life and Career
Tormé was born in Chicago, Illinois, and displayed musical talent from an early age. He performed on radio as a child and later joined the Joe Reichman Orchestra as a drummer. In 1942, he joined the Chico Marx Orchestra, where he began singing alongside his drumming duties.
Solo Career
In 1944, Tormé launched his solo career, signing with Capitol Records. He released a string of successful singles, including "Laura" and "The Christmas Song." His signature tune, "Comin' Home Baby," became a timeless classic and earned him a Grammy Award in 1983.
Challenges and Controversies
Tormé faced several challenges throughout his career. He struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, which impacted his performances and personal life. Additionally, he was involved in a highly publicized lawsuit against CBS Records in 1979, alleging that the company had withheld royalties from him.
Discography
Tormé's extensive discography spans over five decades and includes:
* "The Velvet Fog" (1955)
* "Mel Tormé Sings Fred Astaire" (1956)
* "At Jennifer's" (1962)
* "Mel Tormé Swings Broadway" (1963)
* "Tormé on Broadway" (1965)
* "Mel Tormé and George Shearing" (1975)
* "An Evening with Mel Tormé" (1992)
Members
Tormé performed with various musicians throughout his career, including:
* Buddy Rich
* Joe Morello
* Barney Kessel
* George Shearing
* Red Norvo
Legacy
Mel Tormé is remembered as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. His smooth vocals, impeccable phrasing, and extraordinary musicality left an enduring mark on the music world. His influence can be heard in countless singers and musicians to this day.
Melvin Howard Tormé (September 13, 1925 - June 4, 1999) was an American singer, songwriter, arranger, drummer, pianist, and actor. Known for his smooth, velvety voice, he earned the nickname "The Velvet Fog."
Early Life and Career
Tormé was born in Chicago, Illinois, and displayed musical talent from an early age. He performed on radio as a child and later joined the Joe Reichman Orchestra as a drummer. In 1942, he joined the Chico Marx Orchestra, where he began singing alongside his drumming duties.
Solo Career
In 1944, Tormé launched his solo career, signing with Capitol Records. He released a string of successful singles, including "Laura" and "The Christmas Song." His signature tune, "Comin' Home Baby," became a timeless classic and earned him a Grammy Award in 1983.
Challenges and Controversies
Tormé faced several challenges throughout his career. He struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, which impacted his performances and personal life. Additionally, he was involved in a highly publicized lawsuit against CBS Records in 1979, alleging that the company had withheld royalties from him.
Discography
Tormé's extensive discography spans over five decades and includes:
* "The Velvet Fog" (1955)
* "Mel Tormé Sings Fred Astaire" (1956)
* "At Jennifer's" (1962)
* "Mel Tormé Swings Broadway" (1963)
* "Tormé on Broadway" (1965)
* "Mel Tormé and George Shearing" (1975)
* "An Evening with Mel Tormé" (1992)
Members
Tormé performed with various musicians throughout his career, including:
* Buddy Rich
* Joe Morello
* Barney Kessel
* George Shearing
* Red Norvo
Legacy
Mel Tormé is remembered as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. His smooth vocals, impeccable phrasing, and extraordinary musicality left an enduring mark on the music world. His influence can be heard in countless singers and musicians to this day.