Harry James

Birth Name:

Harry Haag James

Birth Place:

Albany, Georgia, United States

Profession

Soundtrack, Actor, Music department

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
Best known as an actor and trumpet player who led a swing band during the 1930s and 1940s
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․"
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

Fast Facts