James Francis Dorsey, known as Jimmy Dorsey, was born on February 29, 1904, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, and passed away on June 12, 1957, in New York City. He was a prominent American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, recognized for his contributions to the big band and swing music genres. Jimmy was the elder brother of Tommy Dorsey, with whom he frequently collaborated throughout his career.

Jimmy's musical journey began in his childhood under the guidance of his father, Thomas Dorsey, a former coal miner turned music teacher. By the age of seven, Jimmy was already playing in his father's band and made his first public appearance at nine. He initially played the trumpet but later switched to alto saxophone and clarinet. Alongside his brother Tommy, he formed several bands, including Dorsey's Novelty Six and Dorsey's Wild Canaries, which were among the first jazz bands to broadcast on the radio.

Throughout the 1920s, Jimmy worked with various ensembles and artists, such as the California Ramblers, Red Nichols, and Paul Whiteman. He played the clarinet solo on the iconic 1927 jazz standard "Singin' the Blues" and contributed to the original 1930 recording of "Georgia on My Mind." In 1934, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra became a full-time band, but it disbanded in 1935 after a disagreement between the brothers. Subsequently, Jimmy formed the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, which became one of the top bands of the era, known for hits like "The Breeze and I," "Amapola," and "Tangerine."

Jimmy Dorsey was a highly respected musician, admired for his mastery of the saxophone and clarinet. His influence was acknowledged by later jazz greats, including Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins. In 1947, he reunited with Tommy to play themselves in the film "The Fabulous Dorseys." Despite the changing musical landscape, Jimmy's contributions to jazz and popular music remain significant, with several of his recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.