Torme's singing career spanned more than 70 years

June 6, 1999
Web posted at: 4:22 p.m. EDT (2022 GMT)

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Jazz singer and actor Mel Torme, dubbed "The Velvet Fog" for the versatility of his voice, died Saturday, his publicist, Rob Wilcox, told CNN.

Torme, who suffered a stroke in 1996, was rushed from his Beverly Hills home to the UCLA Medical Center at 1 a.m. PDT after having breathing problems. The 73-year-old Torme was pronounced dead 45 minutes later.

His family, his wife Ali, his 5 children -- Steve, Melissa, Traci, Daisy and James -- were at his side.

Torme's singing and acting career spanned 70 years. He began singing on a local Chicago radio broadcast in 1929.

Among the songs Torme is best remembered for are "The Christmas Song" ("Chestnuts roasting on an open fire ..."), written by Torme and first recorded by Nat King Cole, then Torme; "Blue Moon," which he sang in MGM's 1948 "Words and Music;" "Sunday in New York;" "Comin' Home Baby;" and "Where or When."

Among his film appearances were "The Snowman;" "Night Light;" "Words and Music;" and "Pardon My Rhythm."

Torme is also remembered for several appearances as himself on the television comedy "Night Court" and his humorous interactions with series star Harry Anderson.

Gallery 41 Presents Mel Torme
Mel Torme

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