Tommy Dorsey was 'The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing', a titan whose orchestra defined an era. But beyond the chart-toppers, his discography is full of lesser-known tracks that reveal the true depth of his genius. Here are a few you might have missed.
Hawaiian War Chant (1938)
Forget the smooth, ballad-driven sound most associated with Dorsey for a moment. 'Hawaiian War Chant' is a wild, percussive, and electrifying instrumental that shows just how fiery his orchestra could be. The track is a showcase for the band's powerhouse rhythm section and its call-and-response horn arrangements are pure excitement. It was a novelty tune, sure, but it was also a technical masterpiece that allowed the band to cut loose. It's an explosion of energy that feels more like a raucous jazz session than a big band dance number, providing a stark, thrilling contrast to Dorsey's more romantic hits.
Deep River (1941)
While Frank Sinatra's hits with Dorsey are legendary, some of the band's most interesting work happened on instrumentals. This arrangement of the traditional spiritual 'Deep River' is a stunning piece of music that puts the spotlight squarely on two of the band's biggest talents: Dorsey himself and the explosive drummer Buddy Rich. Dorsey's trombone solo is the epitome of his 'sentimental' style—lyrical, pure-toned, and full of emotion. But it's the interplay with Rich's masterful, subtle drumming that elevates the track. It's a B-side that carries the weight of an A-side, a moody and beautifully crafted performance that proves the orchestra was far more than just a vehicle for its famous vocalists.
Well, Git It! (1942)
This track is pure, uncut swing, a showpiece for arranger Sy Oliver and the incredible musicianship of the entire orchestra. Oliver, who was a crucial architect of the Dorsey sound, crafted a song that builds in intensity from start to finish. It features a string of fantastic solos from the likes of trumpeter Ziggy Elman and, of course, Dorsey's own trombone. The secret weapon, however, is the unbelievable power of drummer Buddy Rich, who drives the band forward with relentless energy. It's a tune that was designed to let the band flex its muscles, and it remains one of the most powerful and technically impressive instrumentals of the entire Swing Era, proving Dorsey could go head-to-head with any 'hot' band of the day.
The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else) (1940)
Everyone knows Sinatra's blockbuster hit with Dorsey, 'I'll Never Smile Again'. But recorded just a month later, 'The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else)' is arguably just as compelling. Featuring another flawless vocal from a young Sinatra and the smooth harmonies of The Pied Pipers, this track showcases the perfect synergy the group had achieved. Sinatra's breath control, which he famously learned from watching Dorsey play trombone, is on full display here. While it was a successful song, it has often been overshadowed by the monumental success of their other collaborations. Listening to it today, it's a pristine example of the band's polish and Sinatra's emerging stardom.
