Thinks happen: Harry James. He could do it all.

He led a big band for 40 years.
Today, in 1983 we lost Harry James, swing-era bandleader/trumpet player.

This is Harry with Ziggy Elman and Chris Griffin. For two years he led this trumpet section in the legendary Benny Goodman big band '37-'38. Then early in 1939, Harry James struck off on his own and fronted his own band for more than 40 years. His first singer was that guy from Hoboken, NJ... oh, you know, the one with the blue eyes....He went on to sing with Tommy Dorsey and made a few records on his own....ah well, I can't be expected to remember everything...

Harry Married Betty Grable 1943 to 1965. They had two daughters. Here is a good bio about them.

For those of you fortunate enough to have this old LP of Harry James, "One Night Stand" from Columbia (GL 522), you have the very best of James and his orchestra. Yes, there were recordings that were more popular, more famous. But this was the best jazz, the finest of the big band and yes, a fine example of Harry at his solo best.

Now, get ready for this: It has never been released on CD. You must have the old LP.
Neener Neener Neener....

Here's Feet Draggin' Blues...

I saw the Harry James band a couple times circa 1960, in a roadhouse club near Wichita, Kansas. Once Betty Grable was sitting at a stage-side table watching the show. I think I have his autograph someplace. Jilla Webb was the vocalist.

Here is an excellent web page about this legend of the big band era.

Can anyone identify this painting? Is it Francois Schuiten? Looks like his work but can someone confirm it??
Click for larger version.