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.
Stella By Starlight
Harry James and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through years of endless springs
The murmur of a brook at eventide
That ripples by a nook where two lovers hide
A great symphonic theme
That's Stella by starlight
And not a dream
My heart and I agree
A great symphonic theme
That's Stella by starlight
And not a dream
My heart and I agree
She's everything on earth to me
The song "Stella By Starlight" by Harry James is a beautiful love ballad that resonates with those who have experienced a deep connection with someone. The lyrics describe how the music of nature, such as the singing of a robin or the murmur of a brook, reminds the singer of his lover. The title "Stella By Starlight" refers to the woman who is the singer's complete world. The lyrics describe how she is not just a dream or a fantasy but a real person who holds a special place in his heart.
The statement "She's everything on earth to me" sums up the idea behind the entire song. It speaks of a love that is all-encompassing and leaves the listener feeling a sense of warmth and comfort. The smooth and calming tones of Harry James's voice add to the soothing effect of the lyrics.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was not originally composed for a movie or stage production, unlike most of Harry James's other works. It was written for a lesser-known movie called "The Uninvited" (1944). The song, however, became more famous than the movie itself and has been covered by various artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra and Miles Davis. The melody of the song is instantly recognizable, and its popularity can still be felt today.
Line by Line Meaning
The happiness and joy a bird's melody brings
The song a robin sings
Through all the passing seasons that come and go
Through years of endless springs
The soft whispers of a brook as daylight turns to night
The murmur of a brook at eventide
Flowing nearby a hidden place where romance takes flight
That ripples by a nook where two lovers hide
A grand orchestral masterpiece
A great symphonic theme
That shines brightest under the stars at night
That's Stella by starlight
And not just a figment of the imagination
And not a dream
My heart and soul comprehend and accept
My heart and I agree
She is the embodiment of perfection
She's everything on earth to me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NED WASHINGTON, VICTOR YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leahperez3406
I can’t stop listening to this...Orchestration and arrangement are both amazing. It’s transcendental.
@Trombonology
Still one of my favorite treatments of this brilliant Victor Young tune. The gargantuan-sounding James orch., with its five-man trumpet section, was so impressive, capable of achieving many moods.
@swingman5635
I'm so glad that you appreciate James' masterful interpretation of this lovely tune. His orchestra is my favorite,with the mid-late 40's being his best years,imo.
@Trombonology
@Swingman 56 He's right up there for me, too, and I agree on his best years.
@mariaguadalupelemboaguado1825
Inolvidable su música✨✨✨
@scotnick59
Perfect "theme" for the ethereally beautiful but ultimately tragic Gail Russell. This was her favorite song.
@bijaysinha
I listened to this yesterday night, and it was telling me of a starry night with whole world sleeping and corn fields starched over miles and a house in the middle and a cozy feeling of getting in comforter and slowly slipping in grip of oblivion of sleep.
I am listening to this in morning and it's talking about sunrise in the city, warmth of sun and people rushing to their work saying greeting to fellows. Oh it's a shapeshifter. It'll take your soul in hands and play it like you play with the cat. Unbelievable. And through fun. Respect. 👍
@willroberts9626
bro u need to write some poems
@sailingstpommedeterre4905
❤❤❤
@guitarmusic524
Who played the tenor sax solo in the middle (and end)?