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.
When The Saints Go Marching In
Harry James and His Orchestra Lyrics
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This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy!
O when the Saints (when the saints)
Go marching in (marching in)
Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
When the Saints go marching in
Blow it, brother Holmes!
Now when the Saints (when the saints)
Go marching in (marching in)
Oh, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Yes, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in
The lyrics of When The Saints Go Marching In by Harry James and His Orchestra are an invitation to join the celebration of the saints. Reverend Satchmo is the singer of the text and encourages sisters and brothers to listen to his mellow sermon. He then introduces brother Higginbotham, playing trombone to start the upbeat tune. The repetitive chorus begins with the Saints going marching in, inviting people to join them. The singer expresses the desire to be in the number of saints when they go marching in. Brother Holmes also plays along, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
The song is about a willingness to join the parade of saints when they enter heaven. The lyrics call for celebration and depict a joyous event. The song talks about excitement and looking forward to the day when the saints will go marching in. In the Christian faith, saints are people who have lived exemplary lives and are believed to have a special place in heaven. The lyrics of the song are an invitation to live a life that honors God and to enjoy an eternity in heaven with the saints.
Line by Line Meaning
Sisters and brothers
Greetings, everyone.
This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
I, Reverend Satchmo, am preparing to perform a pleasant musical sermon for all of you.
My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
The focus of my sermon this evening will be on the song 'When The Saints Go Marching In'.
Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy!
Brother Higginbotham is making his way towards the stage with his trombone. I encourage him to begin playing.
Now when the Saints (when the saints)
Listen closely as I sing about 'When The Saints Go Marching In'.
Go marching in (marching in)
When they make their triumphant entrance.
Oh, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Oh, what a glorious sight it will be when the saints arrive.
Yes, I want to be in that number
I eagerly desire to be among those saints.
When the Saints go marching in
When the saints finally make their long-awaited arrival.
Blow it, brother Holmes!
Brother Holmes, please play your instrument with vigor.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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