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.
Make Love to Me
Harry James Lyrics
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Shake it loose and let it fall
Layin' soft upon my skin
Like the shadows on the wall
Come and lay down by my side
Till the early mornin' light
All I'm takin' is your time
I don't care who's right or wrong
I don't try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
Lord tonight I need a friend
Yesterday is dead and gone
And tomorrow's out of sight
And it's sad to be alone
In "Make Love to Me," Harry James sings of a passionate and intimate encounter with his lover. He entreats her to untie the ribbon from her hair and let it fall, so he can feel it on his skin like the shadows on the wall. He asks her to lay down with him until the early hours of the morning, when they will both be worn out from desire. He assures her that he is not concerned with right or wrong or understanding, only with the moment they are sharing. In fact, he suggests that they let the devil take tomorrow, because tonight he just needs a friend. He reflects on the fact that yesterday is gone and tomorrow is uncertain, and the loneliness that can accompany that knowledge.
The lyrics of "Make Love to Me" can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the listener. On the surface, it appears to be about a casual encounter between two people who are looking for physical companionship without emotional attachment. However, depending on the context, it could also be interpreted as a plea for love and connection in a world that can often feel cold and uncaring. Regardless of the interpretation, the song invites the listener to reflect on the temporary nature of relationships and the desire for intimacy that is a universal human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Take the ribbon from your hair
Take off any inhibitions or reservations that may be holding you back
Shake it loose and let it fall
Relax and let go of any stress or anxiety. Be free.
Layin' soft upon my skin
Experience physical pleasure that brings comfort and satisfaction
Like the shadows on the wall
Enjoying a fleeting moment without worrying about the future
Come and lay down by my side
Share intimacy and comfort
Till the early mornin' light
Stay close until the dawn breaks
All I'm takin' is your time
Expressing the desire to savor the moment and appreciate the company
Help me make it through the night
Asking for emotional support and connection to get rid of loneliness or fears
I don't care who's right or wrong
Stress-free time with no arguments or disagreements
I don't try to understand
Leave your logical thinking aside and allow emotions to take the lead
Let the devil take tomorrow
Don't worry about the consequences of tonight's actions
Lord tonight I need a friend
Feeling alone and seeking companionship or support
Yesterday is dead and gone
The past has no hold on us
And tomorrow's out of sight
Future doesn't matter; only present does.
And it's sad to be alone
Repeating the sentiment of feeling lonely
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jan Procházka
on All or Nothing at All
trumpet boogie