[Dixielandjazz] Re: Jews and Jazz

[Robert Pulliam]

> I don't see anyone mentioning it but apparently there's an urban legend
floating around that Harry James was Jewish, which is not correct.<


Carl A. Hällström (always a reliable source) mentioned this early in the
current thread.
I had not heard the claim before.
I have just checked the recent Paul J Levinson book ('Trumpet Blues. The
Life of Harry James'. 1999. Oxford University Press).
No mention of a James' family Jewish connection.

========================

There's mention in the book of a radio show he was offered but turned down
because apparently there was concern by the sponsors Ligget Meyers who
mistakenly thought James was Jewish. Regardless, he turned down the offer
because he was put off by their concern over this issue.

This is contrasted with an out of character incident the book also describes
from years later at an event for Danny Kaye where a well-lubricated James,
pissed at having his band shoved into an obscure corner, loudly uttered
insults aimed at Jews while Danny Kaye was at the podium.

For anyone who's curious about James, this is an excellent book.  Seems to
tell it like it was. Definitely doesn't gloss over anything.