Mel Torme: A Chronicle of His Recording, Books and Films

Known for a voice as mellow as his moniker, "The Velvet Fog," Mel Tormé was an accomplished vocalist, pianist, drummer, songwriter, arranger and author. Leaving a recording legacy of jazz and popular music, his death in June 1999 ended an entertainment career spanning over sixty years. This comprehensive discography is intended not only for the Tormé enthusiast, but the casual fan as well, who may only know Tormé for his Night Court television appearances or as vocalist and co-writer of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," which was first recorded by Nat "King" Cole. Included are a selective chronology providing the highlights of Tormé's career as an entertainer; notes on record issues, recording dates, session numbers, takes, musicians and arrangers; lists of all musical releases by label and category; "hits" and awards; and indexes of song titles and musicians. Films, short subjects, stage appearances, and television work (recorded on video) in which he acted, performed musically, or served as a contributor are noted, as are books that Tormé wrote, or to which he contributed.