Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra were an American big band, led by clarinetist and saxophonist Jimmy Dorsey. Born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, in 1904, Jimmy, along with his younger brother Tommy Dorsey (who would also go on to lead a highly successful big band), became two of the most influential musicians in jazz and pop music of the 20th century. Their bands were integral parts of the swing era, with both achieving significant success independently.

The repertoire of Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra was vast, ranging from jazz and swing to Latin American music, reflecting Dorsey's versatile musical talents and his adeptness at playing both the clarinet and alto saxophone. Some of their most notable releases include "Contrasts" (which became the band's theme song), as well as albums like "Latin American Favorites" and collections of popular hits of the time, such as their renditions of Burt Bacharach compositions. Known for their energetic and polished performances, Jimmy Dorsey's band produced numerous hits during the 1930s and 1940s, including chart-toppers like "Green Eyes," "Tangerine," and "Amapola." Despite personal and professional ups and downs, including a brief period in the early 1940s when the Dorsey brothers reunited, Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra remained a significant force in the music world until his untimely death in 1957. Their music not only entertained millions but also left a lasting legacy on the big band era, immortalizing Jimmy Dorsey as one of the era's most talented and diverse bandleaders.

Genres

Big Band

Man's Orchestra

Swing

Latest Release

Dixieland Master - the Big Band Sound of Jimmy Dorsey

Jimmy Dorsey•

Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra

Album - 10 Tracks - Released January 27, 2023