In Big Band history, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands. It could swing with the best of them, and no other band could come close to Tommy's when it came to playing ballads. Tommy Dorsey, “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing”, was a master at creating warm, sentimental, and always musical moods – at superb dancing and listening tempos. Tommy sustained these moods through the arrangements of the likes of Paul Weston, Axel Stordahl and Sy Oliver, and he showcased singers who could project them brilliantly.
Of the talented vocalists who sang with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the most popular was Frank Sinatra, whose career blossomed with hits such as This Love of Mine and I'll Never Smile Again. Jack Leonard sang with the band for about four years, recording such fine sides as Dedicated To You, If It's The Last Thing I do, Little White Lies, You Taught Me To Love Again, Once In A While, Song Of India, and, probably the most famous of all, Marie. Sy Oliver infused the band with a new musical spirit, with original tunes Easy Does It, Quiet Please, Sing High, Yes, Indeed, Swingin' On Nothing, Well, Git It, and Opus No 1. Oliver also had a unique way of approaching a straight pop tune, injecting a soft, two-beat feeling into. He did this with resounding success in such arrangements as What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry?, For You, Swanee River, Mandy, Make Up Your Mind, Chicago, and On The Sunny Side Of The Street.
In the summer of 1941, they outranked every other band to finish first in one of the most indicative of all popularity polls, Martin Block's Make Believe Ballroom contest.
The music world lost Tommy at an early age, but his legacy of great music has transcended time. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra repertoire continues to entertain audiences of all ages throughout the world.
Tickets for The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra are $34.00 for the Orchestra and $29.00 for the Balcony. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700.
The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, was founded in 1924. Revitalized and fully renovated, Sussex County's premier entertainment venue reopened in 2011 as a 605 seat capacity live performing arts center. With it's rich history and diverse programming The Newton Theatre is essential to the buoyancy of New Jersey's Skylands region. More information about The Newton Theatre may be found by calling 973-383-3700 or by visiting its website at www.TheNewtonTheatre.com.
