Harry James Band sheet music and scores, 1939-1975

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Summary

Creators:
Devenport, Frank, Rogers, Shorty, Jones, Thad, Hefti, Neal, Holman, Bill, Clayton, Buck, Mandel, Johnny, James, Harry, Williams, George, McDonald, Bruce, Armstrong, Lil Hardin, Richards, Johnny, Matthias, Jack, Wilkins, Ernie, Redman, Don, Conniff, Ray , Segure, Roger, Heidt, Horace, Albertine, Charles, Gershwin, George, 1898-1937, and Matlock, Matty
Abstract:
This collection consists of the original orchestral scores and sheet music for big band leader Harry James' band.
Extent:
102.188 Linear Feet 82 boxes
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Box/folder no. or item name], Harry James Band sheet music and scores, Collection no. 1007, Music Library, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of the original orchestral scores and sheet music for big band leader Harry James' band. James was a part of Benny Goodman's band before forming his own band in 1939. His career as a trumpeter and big band leader spanned six decades and included collaborations with Frank Sinatra, Betty Grable, Buddy Rich, Sam Donahue, Juan Tizol, Louie Bellson, Neal Hefti, Ernie Wilkins and Rob Turk.

Biographical / historical:

Harry Haag James (1916-1983) was born on March 16, 1916, in Albany, Georgia. His father was a circus band master and his mother was a horse rider and trapeze artist. Harry's first public performances were at the age of three as a drummer, and by the age of 12 he led his father's band in performances. In 1936, James joined Benny Goodman's band where he was a featured player. He left three years later at the age of 23 to form his own band. His career as a trumpeter and big band leader spanned six decades and included collaborations with Frank Sinatra, Betty Grable, Buddy Rich, Sam Donahue, Juan Tizol, Louie Bellson, Neal Hefti, Ernie Wilkins, and Rob Turk. He appeared in a number of films, with and without his band and trumpet. He was also well-known for his third marriage to Betty Grable. James died in Las Vegas on July 5, 1983.

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Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Advance notice required for access.

Terms of access:

Finding aid description and metadata are licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Music Library. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Music Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Preferred citation:

[Box/folder no. or item name], Harry James Band sheet music and scores, Collection no. 1007, Music Library, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Location of this collection:
Doheny Memorial Library, Room G-24
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1822, US
Contact:
(213) 740-0183
ajustice@usc.edu
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