Description:
A professional singer at the age of three, Mel Torme was a genuine musical prodigy. As a teenager, he played the drums in Chico Marx's band and earned the nickname "The Velvet Fog" because of his smooth, mellow tenor voice. In the 1940s, he formed his own group, the Mel-Tones, one of the first jazz-influenced vocal groups. As a solo musician, he had a number one hit in 1949 called "Careless Hands" and several lesser hits. He also acted in films and wrote several books, including biographies of Judy Garland and Buddy Rich. Torme's career included some songwriting, too. One of his most well-known compositions, "The Christmas Song", was written in midsummer as Torme relaxed by the pool.
Birthday
September 13, 1925
Born In
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Alternative names
Mel & Janette
, Mel Torme and the Meltones
, Mel Torme
, Mr. Mel Torme
, Mr. Mel Tormé
, Mel Torne
Spouse/Ex-
Ali Severson October 30, 1984 - June 5, 1999 (his death),Janette Scott May 20, 1966 - May 26, 1977 (divorced),Phyllis Arlene Miles October 31, 1956 - November 9, 1965 (divorced),Candy Toxton February 11, 1949 - February 15, 1956 (divorced)
Children
James Tormé
Trivia
Composed the music and words to "The Christmas Song" ("Chestnuts
roasting on an open fire") with songwriting partner Robert Wells (Bob Wells).
Quotes
One of the joys of a jazz singer is to try to keep a dimension of constant improvisation in relation to what he sings. But--and it's a big but--only if you never lose sight of the original musical value which the composer put in it. And above all, if you don't sacrifice the most important element of a popular song: the words.
Nickname
The Kid With the Gauze In His Jaws
Trademarks
Scat singing
