Harry James Biography

Fast Facts

• Became the leader of his father's band when he was only 12 years old and worked his way up through bigger bands until going solo at age 23
• Began performing in his family's circus, the Mighty Haag Circus, at the age of 4, first as a drummer and then as a trumpet player at the age of 8
• Discovered Frank Sinatra in 1939 and signed him to his band, going on to record "From the Bottom of My Heart" and "Melancholy Mood․"
• His music has been used in the soundtracks for films like "The Matrix," "Raging Bull," and "The Aviator․"
• Best known as an actor and trumpet player who led a swing band during the 1930s and 1940s
• Owned several race horses that won races like the California Breeders' Champion Stakes in 1951 and the San Vicente Stakes in 1954
• The Harry James Band became so popular in the early 1940s that they made headlines after a gig at New York's Paramount Theatre caused traffic jams and riots