The Dorsey Brothers
Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Trombonist Tommy Dorsey (1905-56) & saxophonist Jimmy Dorsey (1904-57) were key figures of the "big band" era. Born within three miles of here, both grew up and began their musical careers in Shenandoah. Until 1935 the brothers performed together. They led separate orchestras during the next 18 years before being reunited. Frank Sinatra was a featured singer with Tommy''s orchestra, 1940-42.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The coal town of Shenandoah in Pennsylvania's anthracite region gave American music two of its brightest stars: trombonist Tommy Dorsey and saxophonist Jimmy Dorsey. Growing up here in the early 1900s, the brothers learned their craft young and rode the swing craze to national fame, leading the tight, danceable orchestras that defined the big band era. Their bands launched other careers too—a young Frank Sinatra sang out front for Tommy in the early 1940s before going solo.
Why it matters
The Dorseys embodied the small-town roots of the big band sound that dominated American popular culture between the World Wars, a distinctly homegrown art form exported around the globe.
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Related people
- · Tommy Dorsey
- · Jimmy Dorsey
- · Frank Sinatra
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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