Swingtime pays tribute to Harry James in Fountain Hills

Swingtime opens its new year with the hits of Harry James and his orchestra on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m. in the Town of Fountain Hills Activity Center at the Fountain Hills Community Center.

A virtuoso on the trumpet, Harry James held the lead trumpet chair during his two-year stint with Benny Goodman and his band, according to a press release announcing the event.

In 1939, James formed his own band. The group struggled despite adding the young Frank Sinatra as their vocalist. Success emerged in 1941 after James added strings, switched to a sweet Swing style, and hired singers Helen Forrest and Dick Haymes.

Throughout World War II, Harry James and his orchestra became the most popular big band in the country, dominating the record charts and appearing in several movies, the release continued.

All in attendance will be invited to contribute their own thoughts and feelings about the music, the music makers and to share their own memories of this musical era.

Membership in the Activity Center is required to attend Swingtime meetings. For more information, contact Bill Whittaker at 480-837-7961, or the Activity Center at 480-816-5226.