Mel Tormé, often referred to as "The Velvet Fog," due to his smooth vocal quality, was a multi-talented American musician celebrated for his impact on jazz and popular music. Born Melvin Howard Tormé on September 13, 1925, he started his career in entertainment as a child actor but soon found his calling in music. Tormé was not only a skilled vocalist but also a gifted drummer, actor, composer, and arranger; he was a true Renaissance man in the world of 20th-century entertainment.

Over the course of his career, Mel Tormé flexed his musical prowess across a variety of genres and settings. His collaboration with the Marty Paich Dek-Tette yielded critically acclaimed recordings, showcasing his jazz sensibilities and impeccable phrasing. Tormé's ability to interpret and imbue classics from the Great American Songbook with fresh emotion earned him a timeless place in the pantheon of jazz vocalists. His "California Suite" and "Mel Tormé Sings Fred Astaire" are among the highlights of his extensive discography. Additionally, he is co-credited with writing the holiday classic "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)." Tormé's passion for music extended well beyond singing, as illustrated by his live performances, captured in releases like "Mel Tormé at the Crescendo," which display the vibrant energy and charisma that he brought to the stage. Despite his passing on June 5, 1999, Mel Tormé's legacy endures, and his music continues to charm new generations of listeners.

Genres

Adult Standards

Easy Listening

Lounge

Swing

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Frank Sinatra

Nat King Cole

Dean Martin

Tony Bennett

Ella Fitzgerald

Sammy Davis Jr.

Bobby Darin

Peggy Lee

Chet Baker

Bing Crosby

Sarah Vaughan

Michael Bublé

Latest Release

AKIRA SENJU featuring MARIKO SENJU　The Christmas Song

Mel Tormé•

Akira Senju

Single - Released December 14, 2022