Mel Torme - The Christmas Song

Mel Tormé (Deceased) (September 13, 1925 – June 5, 1999) was an American singer, songwriter, drummer, actor, and author known for his smooth vocal style and sophisticated interpretations of jazz and popular standards. Born Melvin Howard Tormé in Chicago, Illinois, he began performing professionally as a child and later became a member of the vocal group the Mel-Tones. He developed a successful solo career and earned the nickname “The Velvet Fog,” a reference to the rich, soft quality of his voice. Tormé recorded extensively throughout his career and became especially associated with jazz standards and the Great American Songbook. He was also an accomplished songwriter and co-wrote “The Christmas Song,” famously known for its opening line about chestnuts roasting on an open fire. In addition to music, Tormé acted in films and television and made numerous guest appearances on variety and talk programs. He also wrote several books about music and entertainment. Tormé received multiple Grammy Awards and remained an admired concert performer into the 1990s. He is remembered as one of the finest male jazz vocalists of the 20th century.