born March 15, 1916, Albany, Ga., U.S.
died July 5, 1983, Las Vegas, Nev.
U.S. trumpeter and leader of one of the most popular big bands of the swing era.
He joined Benny Goodman 's band in 1937, becoming one of its principal soloists before forming his own group in late 1938. The band achieved commercial success through recordings featuring Frank Sinatra , virtuoso set pieces, and ballads performed with James's trademark wide vibrato. He married actress Betty Grable in 1943 and appeared in several films. An accomplished and technically brilliant improviser, his music from the late 1940s reflected his renewed interest in jazz, and he continued to perform with his band for more than 40 years.