tommy dorsey

top on the list of my favorite bandleaders... although his brother jimmy is a close second.

known as the sentimental gentleman of swing for his tender ballads, but also a perfectionist who insisted on playing live for the films his orchestra starred in. my fave bandleader for the discography and style. favorite tracks include "marie", "you lucky people, you", "let's get away from it all", "music, maestro, please".

some albums to shuffle:

the seventeen number ones (1990)

the sentimental gentleman of swing (2005)

tommy dorsey legend (1963)

the complete standard transcriptions (2004)

cover via getty images