| While I'm hardly an expert on Harry James, I do know quite a bit.
Yes, he was with Sinatra during Sinatra's early career, even recording some of Sinatra's better known pieces (the names elude me, I have them written down at home though). However, despite James' incredible talent and the flavor that he added to Sinatra during that time, Sinatra never really gave James the credit that a lot of people feel that he deserved, instead giving it to Tommy Dorsey (and I am NOT dissing Dorsey, he was awesome).
I have never read anything about James being a drunk. I don't believe that one at all, but if I find out anything I'll be sure and let you know on this one. If I remember correctly, he did marry a very popular singer/actress named Betty Grable (I should really have gotten my notes down here from home, they're 4 hours away right now).
REGARDLESS of his personal life, though, one fact is certain. Harry James was one of the greatest trumpets that ever lived. Playing with Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and other huge names, as well as his own orchestra, he created a reputation of trumpet power. He is one of the few people who could peel more paint off of a wall than Doc Severinsen, and that includes today's standards. He is definitely a worthy study, and if you need any help trying to track down his recordings, don't hesitate to let me know.
Michael |