Beaumont in Jefferson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Harry James' Childhood Homesite

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 28, 2021

1. Harry James' Childhood Homesite Marker

Inscription. Henry Haag "Harry" James was an American musician who became famous as one of the most popular bandleaders during the "Big Band" or "Swing Band" era of the 1930s and 1940s. He was born in 1916 in Albany, Georgia. When Harry was eight his parents settled in Beaumont, where his father, Everette, was a music teacher. Everette set up a studio in their home located at 2095 Neches Street which is now Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway. Harry James joined Dick Dowling Junior High School Orchestra and at Beaumont High School he joined the Royal Purple Band. He began his professional career in 1934 when he toured with Joe Gill. In 1935 James joined Ben Pollack's Band where he made his recording debut with "Spreading Knowledge Around." In 1937, Benny Goodman heard James play and offered him a job with his orchestra. James started his own band in 1940 with Goodman's blessing and financial support.

James recorded many popular songs including "You Made Me Love You" and "Flight of the Bumble Bee," and by 1942 he was one of the most popular musicians in the country. James was instrumental in jumpstarting the careers of famous entertainers,

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such as singer Frank Sinatra and drummer Buddy Rich. His film career began with Hollywood Hotel, but also included other films like Two Girls and a Sailor, Young Man With a Horn, The Benny Goodman Story, Anything Goes, and Springtime In The Rockies with his second wife, actress Betty Grable. Harry James has been called "one of the most essential trumpeters and bandleaders in the history of American music." His innovative playing style influenced trumpeters and changed the history of jazz. Harry James died in 1983 and is buried in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marker is property of the State of Texas

Lower Plaque
Sponsored by
Port Arthur Historical Society
Bud Byram
Bill Fouts
Jeff Hays
Norman Helms
Sam Monroe

Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17185.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.

Location. 30° 4.108′ N, 94° 5.721′ W. Marker is in Beaumont, Texas, in Jefferson County. It is on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway Service Road near Neches Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 28, 2021

2. Harry James' Childhood Homesite Marker

is at or near this postal address: 2013 S Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Beaumont TX 77701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Golden Triangle.

It is also in the American South,

on the Gulf Coast,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jean Baptiste Chaison (approx. 0.4 miles away); Temple to the Brave (approx. 0.4 miles away); Jefferson County Courthouse (approx. 0.7 miles away); Saint Anthony's Cathedral (approx. ¾ mile away); Port of Beaumont (approx. ¾ mile away); William G. "Bill" Hall (approx. 0.8 miles away); Henry Millard (approx. 0.9 miles away); Beaumont (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaumont.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,010 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 1, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.