I used to goof on Mel Tormé. I believe I did this for two reasons. Well…three really. The most obvious reason was ignorance. I knew the name and perhaps caught a wisp of his singing, but that was about it. But I was an avid Night Court viewer in my youth and when Tormé visited the character of Judge Harry Stone, a Tormé fanatic, on the show, all I saw was this old dude who looked a little droopy eyed and sang in this kind of lazy, somnambulist way. He wore old-dude clothes and looked like he could keel over at any minute. Some second-rate lounge singer was my guess. The Velvet Fog. What a weird name. And funny. The guy made me smile but not once did I take his talent seriously.

Then there was this scene from SCTV.

The first time I saw this, I thought it was one of the funniest things I had ever seen, and I had no idea who Mel Tormé was. I was probably eleven or twelve at the time. I just thought it was a hilarious skit. This was, of course, probably the first time my mind had been tainted against Mel Tormé. Who knew it would take almost twenty years for me to truly appreciate not only the musician and vocalist, but also one of the most strident patrons of jazz. He was a drummer, could scat with the best of them (something often attempted but rarely done skillfully) and he penned quite a number of songs. Of course, his name is attached to one of the most cherished and lovely holiday songs. The fact that the phrase “Chesnuts roasting on an open fire” can coax so many pleasant and well-treasured memories is a great testament to Tormé who co-wrote the tune.

I have a great amount of respect for Mel Tormé. I came to his music later in life and now must mock my own ignorance. I should be so lucky to live a life like his. Unlike an early morning mist that oft-times disappears with heat of the rising sun, I believe that the music and legacy of Mel Tormé will continue live on for years. Jazz was lucky to have such a faithful friend.

This clip takes a few moments to get to the vocals, but it’s worth the wait.

Read a great Tormé story by a fan