Born this day in 1916. In 1939 the trumpeter, already a top-tier bandleader, hired a smooth, upcoming but relatively unknown vocalist from New Jersey, but failed to convince the kid to change his name to "Frankie Satin." Within a year, James and singer had parted ways, the latter to join Tommy Dorsey's orchestra. Within a few years, both James and the kid crooner were on their respective ways to becoming music legends.Columbia Records ad (detail) from Look magazine, 1943.
I've seen these little illustrations in tiny little booklets from the 30-40's Columbia era. James, Sinatra, Cugat and a few others I know of.
ReplyDeleteThey were probably inserted in 78 album sets or as counter give aways to promote the artists.
Hey, I recognize that birdie from the "March Morning" illustration a few posts down.
ReplyDeleteHarry James was a heck of a trumpet player. People say he often played schmaltz, which he did, but he played it with incredible zest and power. James was quite a gifted technician. Anyways, in addition to his pop/big-band stuff, Harry played some mean jazz trumpet:
Limehouse Blues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvFqN7uVP3g
He plays "Limehouse Blues" and some other amazing stuff on the soundtrack to "Young Man With A Horn, too. So, what I am saying is, I think this illustration deserves a JAZZ tag!
Thanks to your one-signature petition, Harley, Mr. James has been certified a member of the Flora jazz categorical community. And thanks for the bird cross-reference. I'd missed that. Nice!
ReplyDeleteAnd that kid later grew up to be...Frankie Goes To Hollywood. And now you know the rest of the story.
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