Jim has performed with the most popular big band of all time - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Under the direction of Buddy Morrow who is recognized as one of the all–time great trombone players.  Jim filled in for their regular vocalist Rob Zappulla.

Jim possesses a smooth singing style that is perfect for swing and ballads.....and when it's time to accelerate the tempo, he's totally able and adept - an excellent improviser performing a repertoire of the Great American Songbook. His style combines influences from his four favorite mentors, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé and Tony Bennett and David Street. 

Jim commented “I lifted something from each one of them”. Jim comes from a musical family. Jim’s uncle, David Street was a big band vocalist and performed with Buddy Morrow and the Bob Crosby Orchestra. Jim has performed across the US and opened for Comedian Tom Dreesen. Tom Dreesen opened for Frank Sinatra and traveled with him for over 14 years. Tom’s comment about Jim was:"There are just a few vocalists today that can present this music as it was intended, and Jim Paravantes is one of them".