Early signed promotional photograph of the dashing musician and composer, who has inscribed "Regards / Mel Tormé" in blue ink to the upper right. In very fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.).

Nicknamed The Velvet Fog, Tormé was best known as a singer of jazz standards, but was also a composer, arranger, drummer, and actor, as well as the author of five books. He composed the music for "The Christmas Song" ("Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") and co-wrote the lyrics with Bob Wells. While a teenager, he sang, arranged, and played drums in a band led by Chico Marx of the Marx Brothers.

From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.