Harry James was a big band leader who really knew how to toot his own horn. His father was a bandleader in the circus. So, growing up in a circus family, Harry started his performing career at the early age of four with the Mighty Haag Circus. His father kept him on a rigorous schedule of trumpet practicing, giving him daily challenging exercises to learn before he could go on about his day.
Later, after joining up with Benny Goodman and Ben Pollack's bands, Harry created his own orchestra. He performed on many old time radio shows and in movies with his band. Married to pin-up gal Betty Grable, he enjoyed spending time with her at their horse ranch.
This collection includes Harry James' various programs, including Big Band Remotes from the famous Hotel Lincoln. See also: B.A. Rolfe and His Orchestra.
I was born long after the Big Band and Swing Band era, but I love this music and Harry James in particular. I find it fascinating that James' longtime trombonist Chuck Preble was from my hometown of Vincennes, Indiana, as well. It is so wonderful to settle down after a long day and listen to this music in today's world. This music and the OTR period are both priceless to me in this day and age, and I thank OTRCAT for making it both available and affordable for me. As my personal and OTR hero, Red Skelton, often said, "Good night and may God Bless." Chuck Preble – trombone
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