James (Jimmy) Maxwell

Jimmy Maxwell (January 9, 1917 – July 20, 2002) was an American swing jazz trumpeter.

Maxwell played cornet from an early age, studying with Herbert L. Clarke in the early 1930s. He played with Gil Evans (1933–34), Jimmy Dorsey (1936), Maxine Sullivan, and Skinnay Ennis before joining Benny Goodman's band from 1939-43. He also played with Goodman later in life, including on his tour of the Soviet Union in 1962. He worked as a studio musician for NBC from 1943, playing on The Perry Como Show (1945–63), The Patti Page Show, the Pat Boone Show, and The Tonight Show (1963–73). He played first trumpet on hundreds of recordings and commercials from 1950-1980. In addition, he worked as a sideman for, among others, Woody Herman (1958), Count Basie, Duke Ellington (1973), Oliver Nelson, Gerry Mulligan, Maynard Ferguson, Quincy Jones (1964), the New York Jazz Repertory Company, and Chuck Israels's National Jazz Ensemble.

Of his sideman jobs, he is cited as having played trumpet in the Henri René orchestra for Eartha Kitt's first five albums; RCA Victor Presents Eartha Kitt (1953), That Bad Eartha (EP) (1954), Down To Eartha (1955), That Bad Eartha (LP) (1956), and Thursday's Child (1957), all with RCA Victor. Maxwell played the trumpet solo theme for the soundtrack of The Godfather. He also taught from the late 1970s onwards.

Later in life Maxwell worked with Dixieland jazz and swing ensembles such as Dick Sudhalter's New California Ramblers. He led one session for Circle Records in 1977. He retired from recording and performing later in life but still taught music until 2001, and died the next year.

Birth and Death Data: Born January 9, 1917 (Stockton), Died July 20, 2002 (Great Neck)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1945 - 1964

Roles Represented in DAHR: trumpet

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor D6VB-2353 10-in. 6/14/1946 The boogie woogie barnyard Helen Carroll ; Russ Case Orchestra ; The Satisfiers Female vocal solo, with vocal group and jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D6VB-2354 10-in. 6/14/1946 Ole buttermilk sky Helen Carroll ; Russ Case Orchestra ; The Satisfiers Female vocal solo, with jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D6VB-2355 10-in. 6/14/1946 (Li'l Abner) don't marry that girl!! Helen Carroll ; Russ Case Orchestra ; The Satisfiers Female vocal solo, with vocal group and jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D6VB-2356 10-in. 6/14/1946 Let's sail to dreamland Helen Carroll ; Russ Case Orchestra ; The Satisfiers Female vocal solo, with jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2277 10-in. 10/4/1949 My hero Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2278 10-in. 10/4/1949 Tell me why Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2279 10-in. 10/5/1949 Don't cry, Joe (Let her go, let her go, let her go) Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band. with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2280 10-in. 10/4/1949 Swing to 45 Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2281 10-in. 10/5/1949 Whispering hope Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2282 10-in. 10/5/1949 Penthouse serenade Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2283 10-in. 10/5/1949 White Christmas Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2284 10-in. 10/5/1949 ('Round her neck) She wore a yellow ribbon Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-2766 10-in. 12/14/1949 People will say we're in love Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-2767 10-in. 12/14/1949 It might as well be spring Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-2768 10-in. 12/14/1949 The surrey with the fringe on the top Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-2769 10-in. 12/14/1949 If I loved you Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-2828 10-in. 12/29/1949 Untitled Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-2829 10-in. 12/29/1949 Some enchanted evening Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Male vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-2857 10-in. 12/29/1949 Oh, what a beautiful mornin' Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Male vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-2858 10-in. 12/29/1949 What's the use of wond'rin' Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2859 10-in. 12/29/1949 Leave it to love Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9AB-2860 10-in. 12/29/1949 Farewell, Amanda Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 72756 10-in. 3/5/1945 Little Jazz boogie Roy Eldridge Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 72757 10-in. 3/5/1945 Embraceable you Roy Eldridge Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 75584 12/12/1949 Nashville blues Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 75585 12/12/1949 We'll build a bungalow Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 75738 1/24/1950 Deep river Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 75739 1/24/1950 Siesta at the fiesta Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81394 8/14/1951 untitled original Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81395 8/14/1951 Kissing bug boogie Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81396 8/14/1951 Slick chick on the sly Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81451 8/24/1951 Shine on harvest moon Jerry Gray Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81452 8/24/1951 Introduction to a waltz Jerry Gray Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81453 8/25/1951 The dipsy doodle Jerry Gray Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81454 8/25/1951 Flagwaver Jerry Gray Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 82166 1/21/1952 on my way (Got my travelin' shoes) Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 82167 1/21/1952 The blacksmith blues Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 82168 1/21/1952 Any time Sy Oliver Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 101000 11/20/1956 Desert sunrise Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 101001 11/20/1956 Congo mambo Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 101002 11/20/1956 My heart stood still Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 101003 11/20/1956 Nice work if you can get it Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 101529 2/1/1957 Cha cha for Gia Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 101530 2/1/1957 Madrid Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 101531 2/1/1957 Sing something simple Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 101532 2/1/1957 You're driving me crazy Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 102212 4/8/1957 Darn that dream Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 102213 4/8/1957 My baby just cares for me Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 102214 4/8/1957 Hi-ho Steverino-1 Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 102215 4/8/1957 I gotta run-1 Larry Sonn Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 104799 4/21/1958 What is there to say? Sal Salvador instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 104800 4/21/1958 You'd be so nice to come home to Sal Salvador instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 104801 4/21/1958 Yesterdays Sal Salvador instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 104806 4/28/1958 Periwinkle blues Sal Salvador instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 104807 4/28/1958 Desert fever Sal Salvador instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 104808 4/28/1958 You brought a new kind of love to me Sal Salvador instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 104809 4/28/1958 Spring will be a little late Sal Salvador instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112429 8/1/1962 Moonlight becomes you Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112430 8/1/1962 Blue star Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112431 8/1/1962 Moonglow Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112432 8/2/1962 Polka dots and moonbeams Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112433 8/2/1962 Moon of Manakoora Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112434 8/2/1962 It's so peaceful in the country Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112435 8/2/1962 Moon over Miami Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112436 8/2/1962 Moonlight cocktail Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112437 8/2/1962 Count every star Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112438 8/2/1962 When day is done Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112439 8/2/1962 Moonlight on the Ganges Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 112440 8/2/1962 Clair de lune Charlie Spivak Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 114716 3/26/1964 Twisting & shoutin' (Doing the monkey) Jackie Wilson instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 114717 3/26/1964 Deep down love Jackie Wilson instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 114718 3/26/1964 Baby (I just can't help it) Jackie Wilson instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 114719 3/26/1964 Groovin' Jackie Wilson instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 114720 3/26/1964 Love (is where you find it) Jackie Wilson instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 114721 3/26/1964 Squeeze her-Tease her (But love her) Jackie Wilson instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 189 10-in. 1945 22 steps from the corner Johnny Bothwell Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 190 10-in. 1945 Strange feeling Johnny Bothwell Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 281 10-in. 1946 Etude Brutus Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 289 10-in. 1946 If I'm lucky Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 290 10-in. 1946 Sooner or later Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 291 10-in. 1946 Turn the knob on the left to the right Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 417 10-in. 1947 If there is someone lovelier Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 418 10-in. 1947 Celery stalks at midnight Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 419 10-in. 1947 Easy ride Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 514 10-in. approximately 1947 Lonely moments Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 515 10-in. approximately 1947 Bop 'n' boogie Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 564 10-in. approximately 1947 What is this thing called love? Anita O'Day instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 565 10-in. approximately 1947 Hi ho trailus boot whip Anita O'Day instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 566 10-in. approximately 1947 I told ya I love ya Anita O'Day instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 567 10-in. approximately 1947 It's different when it happens to you Anita O'Day instrumentalist, trumpet  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Maxwell, James (Jimmy)," accessed March 29, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/330394.

Maxwell, James (Jimmy). (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/330394.

"Maxwell, James (Jimmy)." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 29 March 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/330394

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