Tommy Dorsey

Thomas Francis Dorsey Jr. (November 19, 1905 – November 26, 1956) was an American jazz trombonist, trumpeter, composer, and bandleader renowned for his smooth, lyrical style that earned him the nickname "The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing." Born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, to a musical family, Dorsey learned the trombone from his father and began performing professionally in the 1920s, initially on trumpet and later specializing in trombone.

Alongside his older brother Jimmy, Dorsey co-led the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra from 1928 to 1935, recording early hits such as "Coquette" (1928) and "I Believe in Miracles" (1934), which showcased the band's danceable jazz arrangements. After a split with Jimmy due to creative differences, Tommy formed his own orchestra in 1935 by absorbing remnants of Joe Haymes' band, signing with RCA Victor and quickly achieving success with tracks like "On Treasure Island" and his lifelong theme song "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You."