Harry James American musician, jazz trumpeter, jazz band leader Date of Birth: 15.03.1916 Country: USA

Biography of Harry James

Harry James, whose full name is Henry Haag 'Harry' James, was an American musician, jazz trumpeter, and bandleader. He was born in 1916 in Albany, Georgia, to a family of circus performers. At the age of 10, Harry's father taught him how to play the trumpet and became a strict teacher, allowing him to do nothing else until he had mastered each page of sheet music. In 1931, the family moved to Beaumont, Texas, where Harry started playing with local dance bands.

At the age of 14, Harry won a trumpet competition, surpassing adult musicians. In 1935, he joined Ben Pollack's orchestra, and in early 1937, Harry became a member of Benny Goodman's renowned jazz band. Although Goodman's style didn't completely suit the young trumpeter, he learned a lot from him. Benny would often tell him, "Not like that, Harry! Take a cue from me: a clarinet solo squeezes everything out of me. And you swing on the trumpet until your jacket is soaked with sweat!" Harry did his best to follow Benny's advice, and soon he earned the nickname "the white Armstrong."

After a short time with Goodman's band, Harry left in 1939 to form his own jazz band. In 1941, his composition "You Made Me Love You" became a hit, spending a week in the "Top 10" charts. Unlike Goodman's fast swing style, James' orchestra played pleasant melodies at a moderate tempo, with Harry's trumpet taking the lead. Vocalist Helen Forrest left Goodman's band to join Harry, and their collaboration created a unique and recognizable style. The combination of Forrest's voice and James' romantic trumpet melodies attracted a loyal audience.

In 1943, Harry invited a young, unknown singer named Frank Sinatra to join his band as a vocalist. Sinatra's rise to stardom began with Harry James' orchestra. Another notable musician who emerged from James' band was jazz drummer Buddy Rich. By the 1940s, Harry James was second in popularity only to Glenn Miller.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, James' music was frequently featured in films, and he made several appearances as himself in movies. Known for his simple and open character, Harry easily connected with people, and his musicians enjoyed working with him. Women would melt when they saw Harry, with his commanding presence, elegant manners, and white suit, playing beautiful, melodious tunes on his trumpet.

Besides his musical career, Harry had a passion for horse racing. He owned several racehorses that won prestigious events such as the "California Breeders' Champion Stakes" in 1951 and the "San Vicente Stakes" in 1954. He was an investor and founder of the "Atlantic City Race Course." Harry even showcased his knowledge of horse racing on the CBS show "The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour" in 1958.

Harry was married three times. His first wife was singer Louise Tobin, with whom he had two children before divorcing in 1943. In the same year, he married actress Betty Grable, with whom he had two daughters. Their marriage lasted until 1965. From 1968 to 1970, Harry was married to showgirl Joan Boyd, with whom he had one child. Contrary to popular belief, Harry never remarried after that.

In 1983, Harry was diagnosed with cancer but continued to work. His last performance took place on June 26, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, just nine days before his death. Harry James passed away on July 5, 1983, in Las Vegas.