Henry Haag “Harry” James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983) was an American mu… Read Full Bio ↴Henry Haag “Harry” James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983) was an American musician and bandleader. James was an instrumentalist of the swing era, employing a bravura playing style that made his trumpet work identifiable. He was one of the most popular bandleaders of the first half of the 1940s, and he continued to lead his band until just before his death, 40 years later.

He was born in Albany, Georgia, the son of a bandleader of a traveling circus. By the age of 10 he was taking trumpet lessons from his father, who placed him on a strict daily practice schedule. Each day, James was given one page to learn from the Arban's book and was not allowed to pursue any other pastime until he had learned that particular page.

In 1931 the family settled in Beaumont, Texas, where James began playing with local dance bands.

He joined the nationally popular Ben Pollack in 1935 but at the start of 1937, left Pollack to join Benny Goodman's orchestra, where he stayed through 1938.

In February 1939 James debuted his own big band in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His hit "You Made Me Love You" was in the Top 10 during the week of December 7, 1941. He toured with the band into the 1980s.

His was the first "name band" to employ vocalist Frank Sinatra, in 1939. He wanted to change Sinatra's name to 'Frankie Satin' but Sinatra refused. His later band included drummer Buddy Rich.

He played trumpet in the 1950 film Young Man with a Horn, dubbing Kirk Douglas. James's recording of "I'm Beginning to See the Light" appears in the motion picture My Dog Skip (2000). His music is also featured in the Woody Allen film Hannah and Her Sisters. James recorded many popular records and appeared in many Hollywood movies.

He was second only to Glenn Miller as the most successful recording artist of 1942.

James was married three times. On May 4, 1935, he married singer Louise Tobin, with whom he had two children. They divorced in 1943. That same year, he married actress Betty Grable. They had two daughters, Victoria and Jessica, before divorcing in 1965. James married a third time in 1968 to Las Vegas showgirl Joan Boyd, whom he would divorce in March 1970. Contrary to some assertions, he did not marry a fourth time. He had five children (two by Tobin, two by Grable, one by Boyd) and (as of his death) 16 grandchildren.

James owned several thoroughbred racehorses that won races such as the California Breeders' Champion Stakes (1951) and the San Vicente Stakes (1954). He was also a founding investor in the Atlantic City Race Course. His knowledge of horse racing was demonstrated during a 1958 appearance on The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour entitled "Lucy Wins A Racehorse."

In 1983, James was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, but he continued to work, playing his last professional job on June 26, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, just nine days before his death in Las Vegas, Nevada. Frank Sinatra gave the eulogy at the Bunkers Eden Vale Memorial Park in Las Vegas.

Around the World
Harry James and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Harry James and His Orchestra's "Around The World" are quite repetitive and don't provide much to interpret. The song is simply about traveling around the world, with the lyrics repeating the phrase "Around the world" over and over again. The simplicity of the lyrics seems intentional, as the song's upbeat tempo and lively brass instrumentation embody the excitement and adventure of exploring different parts of the world.

The repetition of the lyrics also serves to create a sense of unity and universality. No matter where in the world the listener may be, they can sing along to the chorus and feel connected to others who are also experiencing the thrill of travel. It's a fun and uplifting song that encourages listeners to embrace the global community and celebrate the diversity of cultures around the world.

Overall, "Around The World" is a classic big band jazz tune that captures the spirit of travel and adventure. Its catchy melody and memorable chorus make it a beloved song that has lasted through the years.

Line by Line Meaning

Around the world, around the world
The singer is repeating the phrase to create a hook for the song and emphasize the theme of traveling around the world.

Around the world, around the world
This repetition emphasizes the global scope of the song’s lyrics and themes.

Around the world, around the world
The repetition emphasizes the singer’s desire to travel and see the world.

Around the world, around the world
The singer repeats the phrase once again for emphasis and to further highlight the travel theme.

Around the world, around the world
The repetition conveys a sense of excitement about the prospect of traveling around the world and experiencing new cultures.

Around the world, around the world
The repetition reinforces the idea of exploring the planet and broadening one’s horizons.

Around the world, around the world
This repetition serves as a reminder that the song is about traveling and seeing new places across the globe.

Around the world, around the world
The repetition creates a sense of momentum and builds excitement for the journey described in the song.

Around the world, around the world
The repetition underscores the song’s global perspective and the idea of exploring different parts of the world.

Around the world, around the world
The singer ends the song by repeating the phrase once again for emphasis and to make sure it sticks in the listener’s mind.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Thomas Bangalter, Guy-Manuel Homem-Christo

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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