Who Is Mel Tormé? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mel Tormé, born on September 13, 1925, was an iconic American recording artist and actor who left an indelible mark on the music industry before his passing in 1999. Renowned as the "Velvet Fog" for his sultry voice, Tormé's career spanned several decades, during which he explored various genres, including jazz, pop, and classical music. His contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest vocalists of his time.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1925 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 5 June, 1999 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Mel Tormé's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mel Tormé stood at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. Although his precise weight and body measurements are not widely documented, it is known that he maintained a charismatic presence both on and off stage.
Tormé made a guest vocal appearance on the 1983 album Born to Laugh at Tornadoes by the progressive pop band Was (Not Was).
Tormé sang the satiric jazz song "Zaz Turned Blue" about a teenager who is choked as part of an erotic asphyxiation ("Steve squeezed his neck/He figured what the heck") – and who may or may not have suffered brain damage as a result ("Now he plays lots of pool/And as a rule/He wears a silly grin/On his chin").
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
During his lifetime, Mel Tormé was married three times. His relationships were both inspiring and complex, showcasing his passionate nature. His first wife was Betty Grable, whom he married in 1944 and later divorced. Tormé also had a notable relationship with the actress, singer, and songwriter Diana Krall. Throughout his life, there were rumors and speculation surrounding other romantic interests, but he ultimately kept much of his personal life private.
As of 2025, the late Tormé continues to be remembered for his influential contributions to music and entertainment, with fans often inquiring about his personal life through retrospectives and documentaries.
Named after the actor Melvyn Douglas, Tormé grew up in a home filled with music and entertainment. His father, whom he recalled as having the pure voice of a cantor, had been an amateur dancer in his youth.
His aunt Faye Tormé had risen to local fame in Chicago, where, dubbed the "Wonder Frisco Dancer," she raised money by dancing at war bond rallies in 1917–8. Mel's only formal musical education came from his Uncle Al Tormé, who played the ukulele and the Albert system clarinet.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Mel Tormé's net worth was estimated to be around $3 million, a testament to his successful and diverse career in music, television, and film. His earnings were largely derived from his extensive discography, live performances, and royalties from his original compositions.
Career, Business and Investments
Tormé's career began in the 1930s, but it was in the 1940s and 1950s that he truly gained fame. He achieved success as a singer, songwriter, and arranger, with his classics like "The Christmas Song" remaining popular during the holiday season. Moreover, Mel was a skilled jazz musician, known for his improvisational abilities.
In addition to music, Tormé dabbled in acting, appearing in several films and television shows, thereby expanding his brand beyond music. He also invested in various business ventures, including collaborations with other artists and co-creating musical productions.
Tormé was discharged from the United States Army in 1946 and soon returned to a life of radio, TV, movies, and music. In 1947, he started a solo singing career. His appearances at New York's Copacabana led local disc jockey Fred Robbins to give him the nickname “the Velvet Fog” in honor of his high tenor and smooth vocal style.
Tormé detested the nickname. He self-deprecatingly referred to it as "this Velvet Frog voice". As a solo singer, he recorded several romantic hits for Decca and with the Artie Shaw Orchestra for Musicraft (1946–1948). In 1949, he moved to Capitol, where his first record, "Careless Hands", became his only number-one hit.
His versions of "Again" and "Blue Moon" became signature songs. His composition California Suite, prompted by Gordon Jenkins's "Manhattan Tower", became Capitol's first 12-inch LP album. Around this time, he helped pioneer cool jazz.
Social Network
Mel Tormé was active during a time when social media was not prevalent. However, his legacy and influence continue to thrive on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter through fan pages and memorial accounts that honor his work and early contributions in the music industry.
In 1960, Tormé appeared in the TV crime drama Dan Raven with Don Dubbins. He had a role in a cross-cultural western titled Walk Like a Dragon, starring Jack Lord. He played "The Deacon", a bible-quoting gunfighter who protects a female saloon owner and teaches a young Chinese man the art of the fast draw.
In one scene, he tells a soon-to-be victim: "Say your prayers, brother Masters. You're a corpse," then delivers on the promise. Like Sammy Davis Jr. and Robert Fuller, Tormé was a real-life fast draw expert. He also sang the show's theme song.
Education
Although there is limited information about Tormé's formal education, he was a talented self-taught musician. His early exposure to music and performing arts laid the groundwork for his illustrious career. He began performing in local venues at an early age, which ultimately shaped his skills and artistic identity.
To contribute to the family, he played drums in the drum-and-bugle corps at Shakespeare Elementary School. From 1933 to 1941, he acted in the radio programs The Romance of Helen Trent and Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy. He wrote his first song at 13. Three years later his first published song, "Lament to Love", became a hit for bandleader Harry James.
