No More Velvet Fog

Yup, 'twas on this date nine years ago today that Mel Torme met his maker. Poor thing, I wonder how long that line is (you know, the one of people waiting in line to be screamed at by Judy. I am sure she is almost through screaming at Freddie and he has been dead for six months. Guy must be bored shitless waiting for his turn). I digress:Melvin Howard Tormé (September 13, 1925 – June 5, 1999), nicknamed The Velvet Fog, was an American musician, known as one of the great male jazz singers. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, a drummer, an actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books. He composed the music for the classic holiday song "The Christmas Song" (also known as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire").

Tormé wrote more than 250 songs, a number of which became jazz standards. He also often wrote the arrangements for the songs he sang. He often collaborated with Bob Wells, and the best known Tormé-Wells song is "The Christmas Song", often referred to by its opening line "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire." First recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, it has been a holiday favorite ever since. Tormé said that he wrote the music to the song in only 40 minutes, and that it was not one of his personal favorites.

For a partial Mel Tormé discography, please see the Mel Tormé discography.