Big John Special

Harry James and his Orchestra

This clip featuring Harry James’ Orchestra originally aired on the television show “Cavalcade of Bands” hosted by Ted Steel in 1950.

Members of James’ Orchestra identifiable here include Juan Tizol, trombone; Corky Corcoran, Bob Poland, James Cook, Musky Ruffo, Willie Smith, saxophones; Bruce McDonald, piano; and Jackie Mills, drums.

*”Big John Special” was composed and arranged by Horace Henderson for Benny Goodman in 1938.

“Cavalcade of Bands” was an early 1950’s television series made for the Dumont Network which ceased broadcast operations in 1956.

The Networks archival tapes were lost making any footage from their telecasts extremely rare.

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