Harry James

Harry James

Harry James is a United States jazz and swing trumpeter, big band leader and actor. Born in Albany, Georgia in 1916, he is the son of a bandleader in a travelling circus. He begins trumpet lessons with his father at the age of 10 and follows a strict daily practice routine based around the Arban’s trumpet method.

Early career

In 1931, James and his family settle in Beaumont, Texas, where he starts playing with local dance bands. He joins Ben Pollack in 1935, then moves to Benny Goodman’s orchestra at the start of 1937 and stays through 1938. The verified membership list also places him in Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, Harry James and His Orchestra, Harry James and His Quintet and Harry James Sextet.

Bandleader and recordings

James launches his own big band in Philadelphia in February 1939. He continues touring with the band into the 1980s. His orchestra becomes the first name band to employ vocalist Frank Sinatra, in 1939. James records many popular records and appears in many Hollywood films.

Film work and collaborations

His trumpet playing is heard in the 1950 film Young Man with a Horn, where he dubs for Kirk Douglas. His recording of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” appears in the film My Dog Skip (2000). He also has a career as a film actor.

Personal life and later years

In 1943, James marries actress Betty Grable. His first wife is Louise Tobin, a former Benny Goodman singer. He is diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 1983 but continues working, with his last professional engagement taking place in Los Angeles shortly before his death in Las Vegas, Nevada later that year.