Harry James was born in Albany, Georgia, the son of a bandleader of a traveling circus. By age 10 he was taking trumpet lessons from his father. His father had him on a very strict practicing schedule every day. He was given one page to learn out of the Arban's book (a trumpet drill book) every day and could not do anything until he learned that page.
In 1931 the family settled in Beaumont, Texas and James began playing with local dance bands. James joined the nationally popular Ben Pollack in 1935. At the start of 1937 he left Pollack to join Benny Goodman's orchestra, where he stayed through 1938.
In February of 1939 Harry James debuted his own big band in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He continued touring with the band into the 1980s. His was the first "name band" to employ vocalist Frank Sinatra, in 1939. In 1943 he married actress Betty Grable.
His first wife was ex B.Goodman singer.,Louise Tobin.
You can hear his trumpet playing in the 1950 film Young Man with a Horn, dubbing Kirk Douglas. His recording of "I'm Beginning to See the Light" appears in the motion picture My Dog Skip (2000). James recorded many popular records and appeared in many Hollywood movies.
In 1983, James was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, but he continued to work, playing his last professional job on 26 June 1983 in Los Angeles just nine days before his death in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Big John Special
Harry James Lyrics
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That is now almost standard in the world of modern heart music
Look for his old star instrumentalist
As the music-makers do jazz-justice to the "Big John special"
In these lyrics, Harry James is introducing a prominent musician who is about to perform a popular and influential song called "Big John Special." The song has become a well-known and widely appreciated piece within the genre of modern heart music. The phrase "almost standard" suggests that it is a highly regarded and frequently played track that has become a staple in the musical repertoire.
Harry James encourages the audience to search for the renowned instrumentalist associated with this hit song. This musician is considered a star because of their exceptional talent and ability to captivate listeners with their playing. It indicates that the instrumentalist's name is well-known and respected within the music industry for their remarkable skills and contributions.
When Harry mentions "music-makers," he is referring to fellow musicians who are well-versed in jazz music. These individuals possess the technical proficiency and knowledge to accurately interpret and perform jazz songs. By mentioning that they do jazz-justice to the "Big John Special," Harry implies that these music-makers are doing an excellent job of presenting the song in a manner that does justice to its original spirit and style.
Overall, these lyrics serve as an introduction to both the song "Big John Special" and the instrumentalist responsible for its exceptional performance. The lyrics convey the prominence and impact of this particular piece within the world of modern heart music, highlighting its popularity and the musicians' abilities to bring it to life authentically.
Line by Line Meaning
Harry heads-up to say with the hit
Harry proudly announces his latest successful song
That is now almost standard in the world of modern heart music
The song has become highly popular and influential in contemporary romantic music
Look for his old star instrumentalist
Keep an eye out for the renowned musician who has collaborated with Harry in the past
As the music-makers do jazz-justice to the 'Big John special'
The talented musicians are skillfully performing the jazz piece called 'Big John Special' in a manner that does it justice
Writer(s): Horace Henderson
Contributed by Maya I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jan Procházka
on All or Nothing at All
trumpet boogie