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Kings of Cool with Moira Stuart: Mel Torme

BBC Music JazzKings of Cool

Moira Stuart continues her passion and discovery of jazz by exploring some of its legendary male artists. This week she focuses on the life and career of Mel Torme.

Moira Stuart turns her attention to the Kings Of Cool, exploring the lives and careers of some of her favourite jazzmen. Over this four-part series, we'll be looking at the fascinating lives of Mel Torme, Chet Baker, Lou Rawls, Joe Williams and Billy Eckstine. Moira shares her passion for jazz as she discovers explores the personal journeys of each artists, with the help of notable contributors. In episode one Moira looks at the life and career of 'The Velvet Fog', Mel Torme, as we immerse ourselves in his legacy through some great archive interviews of the man himself and performing live with the BBC Big Band. We also hear Mel's story through the eyes of those that were part of his journey - his son, Steve March Torme, BBC Big Band leader Barry Forgie and authors Will Friedwald and James Gavin. Alongside all of this, hear why Mel had a love/hate relationship with Frank Sinatra and just how quickly he penned most famous composition, The Christmas Song.

1 hour

Last on

Fri 11 Nov 201606:00
BBC Music Jazz

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:00

    Mel Tormé

    It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

  • 00:04

    Mel Tormé

    A Foggy Day

    • The Mel Torme Collection 1944-1985 Disc 2.
    • 17.
  • 00:07

    Mel Tormé

    There's No Business Like Show Business

  • 00:08

    Harry James

    Lament to Love

  • 00:11

    Mel Tormé

    All Of You

  • 00:14

    Mel Tormé

    Strangers in the Night

    • Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd.
  • 00:16

    Mel Tormé

    Abraham

  • 00:18

    Constantine Bakaleinkoff Orchestra

    It's A Most Important Affair

  • 00:22

    Frank Sinatra

    Something's Gotta Give

  • 00:23

    Thea Gilmore & Jools Holland

    What Is This Thing Called Love?

  • 00:28

    Art Pepper

    Too Close For Comfort

  • 00:30

    Mel Tormé & George Shearing

    Pick Yourself Up

  • 00:43

    Mel Tormé

    I've Got You Under My Skin

  • 00:44

    Mel Tormé

    Lulu's Back In Town

  • 00:47

    Steve March Tormé

    Straighten Up And Fly Right

  • 00:51

    Mel Tormé

    Comin' Home Baby

    • Rediscover The 60's - With A Little H.
    • Old Gold.
  • 00:54

    Mel Tormé

    The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)

    • Mel Torme - In Hollywood.
    • Grp.
  • 00:56

    Mel Tormé

    Something's Gotta Give

Broadcast

  • Fri 11 Nov 201606:00
    BBC Music Jazz

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