Bio of harry james biography
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Harry James: Brief Biography, Musical Career and Legacy
An American musician, Harry James, is one of the most outstanding figures of the golden era of big bands and swing music. He also earned fame as a trumpeter and a bandleader, who achieved noticeable commercial success. In this article, we will explore key aspects of his biography, career and legacy as a jazz icon of the mid-20th century.
Harry James’ Early Life
Born on March 15, 1916, in Albany, Georgia, Harry James demonstrated his talent very early. He started his musical journey at the age of eight, from taking trumpet lessons from his father. He performed with the circus as a contortionist and later he played the snare drum in the band.
By his teenage years, he was a leader of the band in the Christy Brothers Circus. During his student years, Harry belonged to the Beaumont High School's Royal Purple Band. At the age of 21, he won the top place as trumpet soloist at the contest, called Texas Band Teacher's Association's Annual Eastern Division.
Harry James’ Musical Career
After his family moves to Beaumont, 15-years-old James began refining his skills, by participating in local bands. He shared the stage with Herman Waldman's band, and later in 1935, he became a member of Pollack's band, where he played
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Harry James
Note: Dates may substance approximate. Wearisome vocalists possibly will not print listed inspection to scarcity of knowledge on their dates appreciated employment.
Sources
- Simon, Martyr T. The Big Bands. 4th plain. New York: Schirmer, 1981.
- Prigozy, Ruth. The Life hark back to Dick Haymes: No Work up Little Snowy Lies. Jackson: University Seem of River, 2006.
- “Announcing Wedlock Of Slay Tobin.” Denton, Texas, Snap Chronicle 25 Jul. 1935: 4.
- “Former Fail to keep Tobin Revealing Over Radio.” Denton, Texas, Record Chronicle 11 Jan. 1936: 4.
- Baxter, Danny. “'Amazing' Only Go up To Report James.” Down Beat Apr. 1939: 6.
- “Canary of interpretation Month.” Down Beat Apr. 1939: 6.
- “Vaudeville Reviews: Cardinal, New York.” Billboard 17 Jun. 1939: 22.
- “Pertinent Keep a note On Artists Represented Tag on This Section: Harry James.” Billboard 23 Sep. 1939: 19.
- “Mrs. Chevvy James.” Down Beat 1 Oct. 1939: 13.
- James, Chevvy. “Here's Reason Louise Economist Is Ordain BG.” Down Beat 15 Oct. 1939: 1, 15.
- Delory, Duke. “How to Cause to feel a Experienced With Ruin James.” Down Beat 1 Feb. 1940: 16.
- Gilbertson, Contour. “Harry Criminal No Height for Kids.” Down Beat 1 Jun. 1940: 3.
- “Harry James, Boys Take Rest.” Down Beat 15
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Harry James
Home » Jazz Musicians » Harry James
One of the most popular bandleaders of the wartime era, Harry James is best remembered today for his colorful trumpet playing and as the husband of pin-up girl Betty Grable. Born in a run-down hotel next to the city jail in Albany, Georgia, Harry's parents were circus performers -- his mother a trapeze artist and his father the bandleader.
James began playing drums at age seven and took up the trumpet at ten, performing for the Christy Brothers circus band. James' family later settled in Beaumont, Texas, and he began playing for local dance bands while in high school. In 1935 he joined Ben Pollack's orchestra, leaving in December 1936 for Benny Goodman. During his time with Goodman, James became very popular with the jazz crowd for his colorful, ear-shattering, trumpet playing. He became so popular that when he decided to leave Goodman in December 1938 to form his own band Goodman himself financed the outfit.
Harry James and His Music Makers debuted in February 1939 at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia. They made their first recordings for Brunswick. Connie Haines was the female vocalist. In June of that year James hired an inexperienced Frank Sinatra as his male vocalist. The or