DDA presents The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

In the history of big bands, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is recognized as one of the best swing orchestras in the world. With the collaboration of Paul Weston, Axel Stordahl, and Sy Oliver, Tommy Dorsey created superb arrangements for his dance tunes and romantic ballads that remain immortal today. Over the years, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra musicians have been masters of creating ‘mood’ with sentimental favorites or upbeat tempos that got the world dancing.

"Stardust," "Night and Day," "Marie," "Song of India," and "I’ll Never Smile Again" are a few of the songs immortalized by The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and singer Frank Sinatra. Now, this legendary big band, led by Jeff Bush, tours America to honor the magic of this incomparable team. With eighteen of the finest musicians and singers assembled, this tribute to Frank Sinatra is a memorable step back in time. Perhaps the most enduring big band of the Swing era, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra scored 286 Billboard hits from 1935 to 1956. The band’s current iteration keeps the magic alive with songs that continue to move audiences!

Frank Sinatra’s career exploded with the help of Dorsey, and it was Sinatra’s smooth vocals that propelled The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra to new heights! Frank often admitted that it was Tommy’s music that helped create his famous phrasing and breathing techniques, ultimately influencing his musical tastes!

Tommy Dorsey was an extremely successful bandleader from the 1930s until the ‘50s. His skill on the trombone was unmatched and earned him respect among musicians and the public alike. Frank Sinatra joined Tommy Dorsey in early 1940, remaining until September 1942 when he embarked on his solo career. The actual Tommy Dorsey Orchestra’s band leader is Jeff Bush, a Duquesne University faculty member who has worked with The Temptations, The Four Tops, Frankie Valli, and Paul Anka. He promises to be “Getting Sentimental Over You” as The One and Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra performs their best hits here on stage.