Mel Tormé
Melvin Howard Tormé, known as Mel Tormé or "The Velvet Fog," was born on September 13, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on June 5, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. Tormé was a multifaceted American musician, singer, composer, arranger, drummer, actor, and author. He began his professional singing career at the age of four and was a child prodigy who grew up in a musically rich environment. His early exposure to jazz and diverse musical influences in Chicago shaped his artistry.
Tormé's career spanned several decades, beginning with his first hit song, "Lament to Love," at age 15. He gained national exposure as a member of Chico Marx's band and later formed The Mel-Tones, one of the first jazz vocal groups. His solo career flourished with hits like "Blue Moon," and he became known for his smooth vocal style, earning the nickname "The Velvet Fog."
In 1945, Tormé co-wrote "The Christmas Song" with Bob Wells, which became a holiday classic. Despite a career dip with the rise of rock music, he experienced a resurgence in the late 1970s and won two Grammy Awards for best male jazz vocalist in the early 1980s. Tormé's discography includes over 250 songs and 50 albums, and he was nominated for 14 Grammy Awards.
Aside from music, Tormé was an accomplished author, writing books such as "The Other Side of the Rainbow" about his time with Judy Garland, and a biography of Buddy Rich. His performing career continued until he suffered a stroke in 1996. Tormé's legacy as a jazz and pop icon remains influential, celebrated for his contributions to the Great American Songbook and his enduring impact on the music industry.
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