Mel Tormé, often hailed as the “Velvet Fog” for his smooth, velvety voice, began his musical journey at an astonishingly young age. Born in Chicago in 1925, he first stepped into the spotlight at the age of four, singing on a local radio show. This early exposure to the microphone would prove to be a catalyst for his future success.

Tormé’s career took a significant turn when he was just 13 years old. He was discovered by bandleader Benny Carter, who was so impressed by the young singer’s talent that he hired him to perform with his orchestra. This marked the beginning of Tormé’s professional career, and it was here that he honed his skills and began to cultivate his unique style.

Mel Tormé’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Mel Tormé’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $20 million, according to the latest available information.

Career

Mel Tormé, born in 1925, was an American jazz vocalist, songwriter, and composer. He was known as “The Velvet Fog” due to his smooth, velvety voice. Tormé had a prolific career spanning over six decades, with notable hits like “The Christmas Song” and “Comin’ Home Baby”. He also composed over 300 songs and won two Grammy Awards.

Other Ventures

Besides his music career, Tormé was also an actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows. He hosted his own television show, “The Mel Tormé Show”, in the 1950s and made guest appearances on various talk shows. Additionally, he wrote two autobiographies, “The Other Side of the Rainbow” and “It Wasn’t All Velvet”.

Assets

Tormé’s assets include a significant music catalog, royalties from his songs, and real estate holdings. He owned homes in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, California. His music catalog, which includes standards like “Born to Be Blue” and “California Suite”, continues to generate income through streaming and sales.

Annual Income

Mel Tormé’s annual income varied throughout his career. In his peak years, he could earn hundreds of thousands of dollars from touring, record sales, and royalties. However, as his career progressed and he became more selective about his performances, his annual income decreased. His final years were marked by health issues, which impacted his ability to perform and earn income.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Mel Tormé

What is Mel Tormé’s Net Worth?

Mel Tormé’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

When was Mel Tormé born?

Mel Tormé was born on September 13, 1925.

Where was Mel Tormé born?

Mel Tormé was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

What was Mel Tormé’s cause of death?

Mel Tormé died on June 26, 1999, due to complications from pneumonia.

What was Mel Tormé’s height?

Mel Tormé was 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.

What was Mel Tormé’s most famous song?

Mel Tormé’s most famous song is “The Christmas Song” (also known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”).

What was Mel Tormé’s nickname?

Mel Tormé was often referred to as “The Velvet Fog” due to his smooth and velvety singing voice.

What awards did Mel Tormé win?

Mel Tormé won two Grammy Awards and was nominated for several others. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What instruments did Mel Tormé play?

Mel Tormé was a multi-instrumentalist and could play the piano, drums, and vibraphone, in addition to singing.

What was Mel Tormé’s legacy?

Mel Tormé’s legacy lies in his significant contributions to jazz and popular music, particularly his smooth and innovative vocal style, as well as his songwriting, including classics like “The Christmas Song” and “Born to Be Blue.”