Harry James is an American musician whose incredible trumpet playing forever ensured him the glory of one of the greatest trumpeters of the swing era.
Biography
The future musician Harry James was born in the American city of Albany on March 15, 1916. The boy's parents were circus workers. Father led the circus orchestra and played the trumpet in the same place. Mom was an air gymnast. A childhood spent in a circus environment gave Harry the opportunity to try his hand on stage very early. At the age of four he performed on stage as a gymnast. But the real joy was brought to him by playing the trumpet. The music classes so fascinated Harry that at the age of six he successfully performed in circus shows. Creativity took up most of the boy’s time, so education faded into the background. At fourteen, Harry James refused to continue his studies, devoting himself to music. The impetus for this decision was the victory in the American musicians' competition, where he performed as a trumpeter from Beaumont High School - the city where Harry's family usually "wintered". The career of a talented trumpeter developed rapidly and successfully.
He collaborated with many famous musicians, starred in films, toured America and Europe. A big fan of horse racing, James was involved in financing and organizing horse racing and racing. Also acquired several racehorses who won various competitions. In 1983, Harry James learned that he was seriously ill. He was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph gland. However, the disease did not become an occasion to abandon the rhythm of life familiar to the musician. But he did not stop working, performing on stage.
The last concert in the life of Harry James took place nine days before his death. On July 5, 1983, an outstanding trumpeter of the swing era left this world. This happened in Las Vegas. Numerous artists, musicians and friends came to guide Harry James on their last journey.
Career and creativity
Harry James learned to play the trumpet early. A true passion for music and instrument allowed him at the age of twelve to become the leader of one of the Christy brothers circus groups where his parents worked. A few years later, finally leaving school in Beaumont, Harry began to perform professionally with local groups. And at nineteen, he managed to get into the orchestra of the famous drummer Ben Poloska. But the collaboration with Harry Goodman became truly productive for the young musician. Working with The Swing King helped James reach a new, higher level of skill. Inspired by his creative success and growing professionalism, Harry James decided to create his own orchestra. In 1939, in Philadelphia, the debut performance of the newly created musician team. For many members of the orchestra, the project has become a good starting point. Frank Sinatra, Kitty Calan, Helen Forrest, Buddy Rich, Dick Hames and others began with a collaboration with Harry James. The joint work of energetic, talented young people contributed to the "birth" of wonderful music. The most popular were the orchestra compositions under the names "The Carnival Of Venice", "The Flight Of The Bumble Bee", "I cried For You", "You Made Me Love You". Also, the orchestra team took part in the filming of the film “Two Girls And A Sailor”, “Carnegie Hall”, “Spring in the Rockies”. However, in 1946, James made the decision to dissolve his orchestra, and he himself continued his performances in Las Vegas. He is also interested in filming a movie.
The most successful works of Harry James in the post-war work - a collaboration with singer Doris Day in 1950 and 1951, the composition "Castle Rock", recorded in a duet with Frank Sinatra. And in 1955, Harry was invited to participate in the filming of the biographical film "The Story of Benny Goodman." After completing the filming of the film, he released an album of his best songs, which was included in the top 10 best albums. In 1957, James held the first large-scale tour in Europe. In the following years, he combined performances in America, international tours and performances in Las Vegas. Harry James until the end of his life was associated with music and did not leave work on the implementation of new ideas.
