Mel Torme

Mel Tormé was born in Chicago in 1925 and started performing on radio as a child. He played drums for the Joe Reichman Orchestra and later for Chico Marx's band, where he began singing while keeping time. By 1944 he was recording solo for Capitol Records, putting out songs like 'Laura' and writing 'The Christmas Song' with Bob Wells.

His voice earned him the nickname 'The Velvet Fog' for its smooth, low texture. Other songs like 'Harlem Nocturne' and 'Blue Moon' showed his range across jazz standards and pop tunes.

Tormé worked with musicians including drummer Buddy Rich and pianist George Shearing, with whom he made a well-regarded album in 1975. He kept performing and recording into the 1990s, leaving behind a catalog that includes albums like 'Mel Tormé Sings Fred Astaire' and 'At Jennifer's'.