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.
Pennies From Heaven
Harry James Lyrics
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Don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven?
You'll find your fortune's fallin' all over the town
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
If you want the things you love, you must have showers
So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree
Every time, every time it rains, it's gonna rain pennies from heaven
Don't you know every cloud contains lots of pennies from heaven
You'll find your fortune's fallin', baby, all over the town
Be sure, be sure that your umbrella is upside down
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
If you want the things you love, you've got to have showers
So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me
The lyrics of "Pennies from Heaven" by Harry James describe a positive outlook on life and the concept of making the best out of difficult situations. The title phrase "pennies from heaven" is a figure of speech that means unexpected good luck or fortune falling from the sky. The song suggests that even in the rain, there is a silver lining, as pennies fall from the clouds and can be traded for "a package of sunshine and flowers". This metaphor implies that one can find happiness and joy even in the midst of difficulties or struggles.
The song also advises listeners to be prepared and open-minded to receiving blessings, as they may come unexpectedly. The lyrics encourage the listener to flip their umbrella upside down, symbolizing an open and receptive attitude towards the good things that may come their way. Additionally, the song suggests that in order to achieve the things we love, we must endure the challenges that come with them, like enduring the rain to get the pennies from heaven. The lyrics end with the reassurance that good things will come to those who have a positive outlook and are willing to weather the storms.
Line by Line Meaning
Every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven
Whenever it rains, good fortune is being bestowed upon us from above
Don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven?
Every cloud in the sky contains wealth and prosperity waiting to fall upon us
You'll find your fortune's fallin' all over the town
Success and riches are available to everyone, not limited to just one person or place
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down
When it rains, be ready to receive the blessings that come with it
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
Take advantage of the good things that come your way – appreciate them and use them to brighten your day
If you want the things you love, you must have showers
To obtain the things you desire, you must be willing to weather the storms that come with life
So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree
Don't seek shelter from the challenges of life. Instead, embrace them and look for the good that can come from them
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me
We can all benefit from the generosity and abundance of life if we are open to receiving it
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jan Procházka
on All or Nothing at All
trumpet boogie