Mel Torme: It Wasn't All Velvet

by Mel Torme

From Publishers Weekly At age 63, Melvin Howard Torme (originally Torma), Chicago-born son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, here looks back, mostly with pleasure, on his years of public appearances as an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0860515710
• ISBN13: 9780860515715
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Robson Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

"Mel Torme is the only white man who sings with the soul of a black man."

Attributed to the late Ethel Waters, this quotation is one of which Torme is so proud that he uses it to begin his autobiography. Written in 1988, Torme's life story describes his early years as a child prodigy--singing professionally from the age of three, acting in radio at age ten, writing songs professionally at age thirteen--and shows how he developed his career, became a movie star, was music director for Judy Garland's 1963 TV show, and worked with virtually every "name" in jazz, as a singer/songwriter, drummer, and concert artist. Throughout the autobiography, Torme keeps his perspective, taking the blame for many of his failures, and telling it "like it is" when, in his opinion, the fault belongs elsewhere. He is particularly harsh in his opinion of the recording industry: "Some of the vilest people I have ever met are those who run and control the record industry," he says. His analyses of his marital failures, aggravated by the problems of being on the road, show the difficulties of leading a full life while always looking for the next big chance, professionally, and his sadness at his alienation from some of his children is palpable. For those who love jazz and the entertainment business, the book is fascinating, giving insights into Harry James, Buddy Rich, Chico Marx, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mercer, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Duke Ellington, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Dick Martin (of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In). Torme's analyses of his professional failures (such as his disaster at the Copacabana) and of his betrayals by some of his "friends" show how closely some entertainers identify with their career decisions and how agonizing the ups and downs of professional life can be. Some of the book can be considered self-congratulatory, and other parts reflect Torme's desire to set the record straight (and give some payback for past wrongs), but the book gives an articulate and thoughtful presentation of the life of someone who has been considered the greatest male jazz singer of the twentieth century. A fascinating and insightful look at show business, with all its warts. n Mary Whipple

It's Very "Mel"

Having had the opportunity to know Mel, this book reads very much like the way he spoke. Straight forward, entertaining style. While some stories had details edited out for legal purposes (that is, not to get sued), the book is good read and pretty honest look from Mel's point of view.

Not ALL velvet!!

I have loved Mel Torme's songs and beautiful voice since I was turned onto him on "NIGHT COURT" He has a beautiful that I'm sure will be missed by all of his fans. I was amazed by his life's story "WARTS AND ALL". He was a man true to his convictions, He also lead an interesting life, and was very adamant about telling the truth, even when it wasn't pretty. This book it peppered with celebrities. He has a way of keeping your interest in this book, you need to know what the next chapter brings. Personally I think this book should be re-released. It would be a shame to lose his life's story forever, never to be retold.

Should be re-published

This is a fine autobiography about a wonderful musician. One would hope that his recent passing would inspire the public to search out this book and the publishers to get it back into print.

A legend tells his tale in his own articulate voice

Mel Torme was an incredible man and talent. His accomplishments in show business are staggering and this book is a wonderful insightful read. If you dig Tony Bennett or idolize Sinatra, read about a guy who puts them both to shame (almost none can-except Mel!)He is a legend and although he passed away June 1999 his star still glitters. The only problem with this book is that he wrote it too soon, there is more to tell 1988-1999 that happened after its printing. Mel sang and worked brilliantly until the end....no decline for him. I highly recommend this book...you will not only respect Mel's accomplishments but like him as a person after reading it.