DORSEY, JIMMY; AND DORSEY, TOMMY

born Feb. 29, 1904, Shenandoah, Pa., U.S. died June 12, 1957, New York, N.Y. born Nov. 19, 1905, Shenandoah, Pa. died Nov. 26, 1956, Greenwich, Conn. bynames of James Dorsey and Thomas Dorsey brothers who separately and together were leaders of large popular dance orchestras in the United States. The sons of a music teacher, both benefited from early instruction, becoming prominent in white jazz circles. Jimmy, the first to emerge and the more active jazzman, remained a prolific technician on both his instruments, the clarinet and the alto saxophone; by 1927 he was a star soloist. Tommy, who began by doubling on trombone and trumpet, soon gave up the latter; by 1930 he was a successful freelance musician noted for the sweetness of tone in his trombone playing. In 1933 they formed an orchestra together. Both brothers enjoyed immense success as leaders of their own orchestras, drifting far from their jazz beginnings. In 1953 they amalgamated again. Some critics regarded their work as superior popular music rather than authentic jazz.