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Mel TormeAmerican jazz musician, composer, writer, actor
Date of Birth: 13.09.1925
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Mel Torme
Melvin Howard Torme, better known as Mel Torme, was an American jazz musician, composer, writer, and actor. He was born in 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, to Russian immigrant parents. From a young age, Mel showed his musical talents, performing with the "Coon-Sanders Orchestra" at the age of 4. However, he never considered pursuing jazz singing professionally until later in life.
The Velvet Fog
In his early career, Torme was known for his soft, sentimental songs, earning him the nickname "The Velvet Fog." Though he disliked the nickname, he focused on perfecting his improvisational jazz style as he grew older. Torme worked as an arranger for most of his vocal numbers and also played the piano and drums.
Success and Influence
Torme gained widespread recognition with the success of the musical comedy "Good News" in 1947. That same year, he formed his vocal group, "Mel Torme and his Mel-Tones," which became the first vocal jazz group and opened the door for groups like "Hi-Lo's," "The Four Freshmen," and "The Manhatten Transfer."
During the 1950s, Torme expanded his career to television as a talk show host and found success as an actor in various films. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1956 for his role in the telefilm "The Comedian." Throughout his life, Torme wrote over 300 songs, including popular compositions like "Born To Be Blue" and "The Christmas Song." His music was featured in more than 70 films.
Later Years and Legacy
In the 1980s, Torme collaborated with George Shearing, resulting in several albums and two Grammy Awards. Mel continued to perform and record with various musicians, including Buddy Rich, Rob McConnell, Cleo Laine, and Bill Evans.
Torme was married four times and had children with three of his wives. His last wife was Ali Severson, whom he stayed with until his passing.
In 1996, Mel Torme suffered a stroke, and he passed away on June 5, 1999. He was remembered as a versatile jazz vocalist with an extraordinary, warm, and velvety tone combined with a seductive and captivating singing style. Mel Torme created an intimate atmosphere, making his audience feel like he was singing directly to them.
Despite his refusal to be labeled solely as a jazz singer, Mel Torme was highly regarded in the jazz community. As the renowned jazz musician Jon Hendricks once said, "Some claim there are no white jazz singers, but everyone will tell you that Mel Torme is one of the greatest jazz vocalists."
