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Kings of Cool

Kings of Cool: Episode 1: Mel Torme

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Mel Torme

Episode 1

Episode 1: Mel Torme

BBC Radio 2 - Kings of Cool, Mel Torme

Moira Stuart explores the lives and careers of male jazz artists, beginning with Mel Torme

Moira Stuart continues her passion and discovery of jazz by exploring some of its legendary male artists. This week she focuses on the life and career of Mel Torme.

Moira Stuart turns her attention to the Kings Of Cool, exploring the lives and careers of some of her favourite jazzmen.

Over this four-part series, we'll be looking at the fascinating lives of Mel Torme, Chet Baker, Lou Rawls, Joe Williams and Billy Eckstine. Moira shares her passion for jazz as she discovers explores the personal journeys of each artists, with the help of notable contributors.

In episode one Moira looks at the life and career of 'The Velvet Fog', Mel Torme, as we immerse ourselves in his legacy through some great archive interviews of the man himself and performing live with the BBC Big Band. We also hear Mel's story through the eyes of those that were part of his journey - his son, Steve March Torme, BBC Big Band leader Barry Forgie and authors Will Friedwald and James Gavin.

Alongside all of this, hear why Mel had a love/hate relationship with Frank Sinatra and just how quickly he penned most famous composition, The Christmas Song.

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

Radio 2: Amazing music. Played by an amazing line-up. The home of great music, entertainment and documentaries

Moira Stuart explores the lives and careers of some legendary male jazz artists

Moira Stuart continues her passion and discovery of jazz by exploring some of its legendary male artists

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Episode 1: Mel Torme

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