Born March 15, 1916 Albany, Georgia
Died July 5, 1983 Las Vegas, Nevada
Harry's mother (Maybelle Stewart Clark James) was a trapeze artist and his father (Everette Robert James) was the
bandleader for the Mighty Haag Circus. At four years of age, Harry performed with the circus as an contortionist. Harry also
began to play the snare drum with the Mighty Haag Circus. At six years of age, Harry began to play the trumpet inspired by
his trumpet playing father. At twelve years of age Harry played lead trumpet for the Christy Brothers Circus. Harry entered
the Texas Band Teachers Association Annual Eastern division contest on May 1st. & 2nd., 1931 at 14 years of age. Harry
won first place in the solo contest for his extraordinary rendition of "Neptune's Court" by Hebert L. Clarke. Harry won a
new King Liberty trumpet for his first place finish. Harry later began playing in local dance bands. In 1936, Harry joined Ben
Pollack's band and later joined Benny Goodman's band as lead trumpeter. In 1939, Harry James and his Music Makers
debuted in February at the Benjamin Franklin hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Also in June of 1939, Harry hired an
inexperienced Frank Sinatra as the band's male vocalist. On July 5, 1943 Harry married pinup Queen, Betty Grable. After 22
years of marriage, Betty divorced Harry on October 8,1965. Harry appeared in various movies and recorded many records
during his career. Harry exclusively endorsed the King Symphony trumpet. Harry loved horse racing and enjoyed gambling.
Harry died of lymphatic cancer at Valley Hospital in Las Vegas Nevada on July 5, 1983. Harry was 67 years old. Frank
Sinatra gave the eulogy at the Bunkers Eden Vale Memorial Park in Las Vegas.
H. N. WHITE KING Master model
and #5 1/2 mouthpieces with
#28 throats.Harry played both silver
and gold plated mouthpieces.
Super 20, and an H. N. White King Miniature Liberty trumpet formerly owned by Henry Wolgemuth
Principal trumpet of the Cincinnati Symphony and Professor of trumpet at the Cincinnati Conservatory
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