This is a lively, well-researched biography, rich in historical facts which relate to the music business and describe the factors that gave rise to the popularity of big bands and contributed to their demise. Tommy comes alive in these pages as do the copious famous musicians (many of them interviewed) with whom he and Jimmy associated and whose bios touch on their lives before, during, and after their dealings with “The Brothers.” For those who heard and loved the music of Tommy Dorsey and for those totally unfamiliar with him, this is an interesting book and full of amusing anecdotes.

Peter J. Levinson, the author of Trumpet Blues: The Life of Harry James and September in the Rain: The Life of Nelson Riddle, is a jazz publicist who lives in Malibu, California. He is at work on a book about the artistry of Fred Astaire.