Mel Tormé Net Worth

Mel Tormé: The Velvet Fog’s Net Worth, Career, and Enduring Legacy

Introduction: The Life and Times of Mel Tormé

Mel Tormé, affectionately known as “The Velvet Fog” for his smooth vocal style, was an American musical polymath. He excelled as a singer, composer, arranger, actor, and author, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. This article delves into Mel Tormé’s life, exploring his financial success, the impact of his iconic song “The Christmas Song,” his diverse career, and his lasting legacy.

Mel Tormé’s Net Worth and Financial Success

At the time of his death in 1999, Mel Tormé’s net worth was an impressive $50 million (inflation-adjusted), a testament to his successful and multifaceted career. This figure reflects his earnings from record sales, songwriting royalties, live performances, acting roles, and book publications. His financial acumen and the enduring popularity of his work ensured his financial security and a lasting legacy.

“The Christmas Song”: A Timeless Classic and Royalties Powerhouse

One of Tormé’s most significant contributions to the world of music is “The Christmas Song,” co-written with Bob Wells in 1944. Ironically, Tormé, who was Jewish, described the song as his “annuity.” This Christmas classic has become one of the highest royalty-producing songs of all time. Its enduring popularity is evident in the countless covers by renowned artists like Michael Bublé, Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, NSYNC, and many more. This song alone has generated tens of millions in royalties over the years, ensuring a lasting financial legacy for Tormé’s heirs, as highlighted in this article.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Melvin Howard Tormé was born on September 13, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were William Tormé, a Jewish immigrant from Poland, and Betty Tormé, a native of New York City. From a very young age, Tormé displayed an extraordinary aptitude for music. He began his professional career at the age of four, performing with the Coon-Sanders Orchestra. He also played drums in the drum-and-bugle corps and gained early experience in radio, voice acting in shows like “The Romance of Helen Tent” and “Jack Armstrong, the All-Around American Boy” from 1933 to 1941. By the age of 13, he had already written his first song. At 16, he published “Lament to Love,” marking the beginning of his prolific songwriting career. He attended Hyde Park High School, graduating in the early 1940s, laying the groundwork for his future success.

Career Highlights and Collaborations

In 1942, Tormé joined Chico Marx’s band as a singer and drummer, also contributing musical arrangements. His movie debut came in 1943 in Frank Sinatra’s film, “Higher and Higher.” In 1944, he formed the vocal quintet Mel Tormé and His Mel-Tones, which gained fame with their jazz-influenced sound and helped pave the way for many vocal groups to come. This group found success with several hits. Despite being drafted into the United States Army during World War II, he was discharged in 1946. That same year, he composed “The Christmas Song,” which would catapult him to international fame and become one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time.

Tormé launched his solo singing career in 1947, performing at venues like New York’s Copacabana and recording romantic hits for Decca and with the Artie Shaw Orchestra. In 1949, he signed with Capitol Records, where his song “Careless Hands” reached #1 on the US Pop chart. He also covered songs like “Again” and “Blue Moon.” His album “California Suite” became Capitol’s first 12-inch LP. During the 1950s, he hosted a radio program called “Mel Tormé Time” and recorded jazz albums for Bethlehem Records. Tormé’s talents as a composer and arranger were highly regarded by fellow musicians. He continued to sing jazz while also exploring pop tunes in the 1960s and 1970s, with minor hits such as “Mountain Greenery” and “Comin’ Home Baby.”

Getty

Mel Tormé’s career was marked by numerous collaborations. He frequently performed with George Shearing, recording six albums with him for Concord Records. Other notable collaborations included Marty Paich, Ken Peplowski, and Rob McConnel. In his later years, Tormé performed with a trio composed of John Colianni, John Leitham, and Donny Osborne, recording six albums and touring extensively.

Acting and Other Ventures

Beyond his musical achievements, Mel Tormé also enjoyed a successful acting career. He appeared in the television crime drama “Dan Raven” in 1960 and the western “Walk Like a Dragon.” He made guest appearances on “The Judy Garland Show” from 1963 to 1964, and even wrote songs for the show. In 1967, he appeared with Lucille Ball in a two-part episode of “The Lucy Show.” He also appeared in the 1980s on “Night Court” nine times as himself. He also made an appearance on “Seinfeld” in 1995 and “Sliders” in 1996. These diverse roles highlighted his versatility and appeal.

Tormé was also a prolific author, publishing several books throughout his life. His memoir “The Other Side of the Rainbow” offers insights into his time as a musical advisor for Judy Garland’s television show. In 1978, he published the novel “Wynner” and, in 1988, the autobiography “It Wasn’t All Velvet.” He also wrote a biography of Buddy Rich, titled “Traps, the Drum Wonder” (1991), and “My Singing Teachers: Reflections on Singing Popular Music” in 1994.

Personal Life and Final Years

Mel Tormé was married four times. His first marriage was to Candy Toxton (1949-1955). This was followed by his marriage to Arlene Miles (1956-1965), Janette Scott (1966-1977), and Ali Severson, whom he married in 1984 and remained married to until his death in 1999. He had five children – Steve, Melissa, Tracy, Daisy, and James – and two stepchildren, Carrie and Kurt. Several of his children went on to careers in the music and entertainment industries. His career ended in 1996 when he suffered a stroke. In 1999, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his exceptional career. Sadly, a second stroke led to his death on June 5, 1999. He was buried at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Legacy and Influence

Mel Tormé’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive net worth. He is remembered for his exceptional vocal talent, his contributions as a composer and arranger, and his versatility as a performer. His work continues to influence musicians across various genres. “The Christmas Song” remains a holiday staple, while his other works are celebrated by jazz enthusiasts worldwide. Mel Tormé’s lasting impact is a testament to his remarkable talent, dedication, and enduring appeal. He is celebrated and remembered as one of the true icons of American music.