Composed:
1942 Grouping:
SAAAATTBb
Harry James' father played trumpet in a circus band, and Harry followed in his dad's footsteps, becoming band leader by the age of twelve. At the age of 15 he began playing in dance-bands, but he became well known as trumpeter with the Benny Goodman Orchestra. After leaving this post he formed his own band, recruiting voalist Frank Sinatra shortly afterwards.
This big-band piece has also been performed regularly by brass ensembles and, as with many of James' compositions, is as kitsch as they come.