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.
Sentimental Journey
Harry James and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna set my heart at ease
Gonna make a sentimental journey
To renew old memories
Got my bag, got my reservation
Spent each dime I could afford
Like a child in wild anticipation
Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven
I'll be waitin' up at heaven
Countin' every mile of railroad track
That takes me back
Never thought my heart could be so yearny
Why did I decide to roam
Gotta take that sentimental journey
Sentimental journey home
Sentimental journey
is a song that speaks to the heart. It is a song about longing and nostalgia, and the desire to go back to a simpler time. The song is about reminiscing and reliving old memories that may have been forgotten. The lyrics "Gonna make a sentimental journey to renew old memories" showcase the subjective meaning of the song. It can apply to anyone's life and experience. The singer is packing his bags and setting out on a journey that is personal and a reaffirmation of his own life.
The song is a reminder that we all need to relive the moments that have brought us joy and happiness. It is a song that brings back the taste of childhood memories or the smell of grandma's cooking. The lyrics and melody of "Sentimental Journey" work together to create a sentimental mood that invites the listener to take a trip down memory lane.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna take a sentimental journey
I am going to take a trip down memory lane and revisit old times.
Gonna set my heart at ease
I hope that this trip will help me feel peaceful inside.
Gonna make a sentimental journey
I hope to rediscover cherished memories and emotions from the past.
To renew old memories
I am excited to relive and recall times from the past that I have not thought about in a while.
Got my bag, got my reservation
I have packed my belongings and made arrangements for my travels.
Spent each dime I could afford
I have spent all the money that I could to make this trip happen.
Like a child in wild anticipation
I am as excited and enthusiastic about this trip as a child is before a big event.
Long to hear that all aboard
I can't wait to hear the announcement that the train is ready for boarding.
Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven
The train will depart at seven o'clock.
I'll be waitin' up at heaven
I will be anxiously waiting for the train's departure.
Countin' every mile of railroad track
I will keep track of how far we are from my destination.
That takes me back
The train tracks will lead me back to my past.
Never thought my heart could be so yearny
I never realized how strong my desire was to revisit my past until now.
Why did I decide to roam
I am now questioning why I ever left my past in the first place.
Gotta take that sentimental journey
I feel that taking this journey is necessary for me at this moment in time.
Sentimental journey home
My ultimate destination is my home, where my past memories are waiting for me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Benjamin Homer, Bud Green, Les Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind