HARRY JAMES

March 15, 1906

Harry Haag James was born in Albany, Georgia, the son of a bandleader in a traveling circus. He started performing with the circus at an early age, first as a contortionist, then playing the drum in the band.  James started taking trumpet lessons from his father at age eight, and by age twelve he was leading the band in the circus.

In 1924, his family settled in Beaumont, Texas where he began playing in local dance bands. In 1935 he joined Ben Pollack’s band, but left to join Benny Goodman’s orchestra. He was nicknamed “The Hawk” early in his career for his ability to sight-read.

With financial backing from Goodman, James debuted his own big band in January 1939. 

James and his band appeared in several Hollywood films including Too Many Girls (1940)…

…and Best Foot Forward (1943), both featuring Lucille Ball. 

In 1958, James and his second wife Betty Grable guest-starred on “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” in “Lucy Wins A Racehorse” (LDCH S1;E4). He performs “The Bayamo” with Desi Arnaz and Gable. 

He passed away in 1983 at age 67 and was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.