Georgia born Harry James learned the trumpet from his circus bandleader father and became a professional musician,  performing early on with Ben Pollack and Benny Goodman. James started his own big band in 1939 with the little known but talented vocalist Frank Sinatra.  His World War II era hits included “Ain’t She Sweet”, “You Made Me Love You”, “Hernando’s Hideway”, “You’ll Never Know”, “One O’Clock Jump”, “Up A-Lazy River”, and his forever famous theme song “Ciribiribin”.  The Harry James Orchestra is now conducted by master trumpter, composer/arranger/producer,  musical clinician, educator and recording artist Fred Radke, who was a member of the 1950s HJO.  Radke turned professional at age fifteen and worked his musical magic with Marlene Dietrich, Burt Bacharach and Johnny Matthis.  Since 1989 Radke has toured the HJO over North America, Europe and Asia.  HJO has appeared on CBS, NBC, ABC and CBC, performed for Presidents and Heads of State and  dubbed the trumpet selections for Kirk Douglas  in the 1959 film Young Man With a Horn. Radke’s wife, Gina Funes, a professionally trained opera star,  appears as guest vocalist with the orchestra.