Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 15, 1916 in Albany, GA

Death

:

July 5, 1983 in Las Vegas, NV

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Harry James was an American musician and composer who was born on March 15, 1916, in Albany, Georgia. He was the son of a bandleader and grew up in a musical family. James began playing the trumpet at a young age and quickly became a prodigy. He was playing professionally by the age of 15 and joined Benny Goodman's band in 1937. James left Goodman's band in 1939 to form his own orchestra, which quickly became one of the most popular in the country. The Harry James Orchestra was known for its swing music and featured some of the best musicians of the time, including Frank Sinatra, who sang with the band from 1939 to 1942. James was also a prolific composer and arranger, and many of his compositions became hits. One of his most famous compositions was "Trumpet Blues and Cantabile," which he wrote in 1942. The song became a signature piece for the Harry James Orchestra and is still played by jazz bands today. During World War II, James served in the Army Air Corps and played for the troops. He continued to perform and record after the war, but the popularity of swing music began to wane in the 1950s. James adapted to the changing musical landscape and began to play more traditional jazz and pop music. In the 1960s, James became a regular performer in Las Vegas and continued to tour and record throughout the decade. He also appeared in several films, including "The Benny Goodman Story" and "Young Man with a Horn." James continued to perform and record into the 1980s, but his health began to decline. He died on July 5, 1983, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Some of Harry James' most famous compositions include "Trumpet Blues and Cantabile," "Ciribiribin," "Two O'Clock Jump," and "You Made Me Love You." He was also known for his virtuosic trumpet playing and was considered one of the best trumpet players of his time. In addition to his musical accomplishments, James was also known for his personal life. He was married eight times and had several children. He was also a heavy drinker and struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. Despite his personal struggles, Harry James left a lasting legacy in the world of music. His compositions and recordings continue to be celebrated by jazz fans and musicians today.

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