Biography
Joe Haymes was born in Marshfield, Missouri, in 1908. His early life was marked by a unique blend of circus performances as a trapeze artist and drummer, alongside teaching himself piano and arranging music for local dance bands[1][2]. He began his professional music career as an arranger for Ted Weems' orchestra before forming his own band in 1930. Haymes' orchestra gained recognition for its performances at prominent venues like Roseland in New York City and for introducing songs such as 'I Cover the Waterfront'[2]. His career spanned several decades, with significant contributions during the big band and swing eras of the 1930s and 1940s[3]. Haymes continued to lead bands and work in studios throughout his career, eventually joining the CBS studio band in New York[1]. His musical style was characterized by big band arrangements and a blend of jazz and swing influences. Despite his contributions to the era, Haymes eventually faded from the music scene during the 1940s[2]. His legacy remains in the arrangements and recordings he left behind, which continue to be celebrated for their contribution to the swing era.
Fun Facts
- Joe Haymes started his career as a trapeze artist and drummer in a traveling circus[1][2].
- He was known for his self-taught skills in piano and arranging[2].
- Haymes' band introduced several popular songs, including 'I Cover the Waterfront'[2].
- His orchestra recorded 'Christopher Columbus (A Rhythm Cocktail)' in 1936, featuring a theme later used by Benny Goodman in 'Sing, Sing, Sing'[4].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ted Weems - Haymes worked as an arranger for Weems' orchestra (Ted Weems' Orchestra) [Early career]
Key Collaborators
- The Merry Macs - Vocal group that performed with Haymes' orchestra (Haymes' Orchestra recordings) [1930s]
- Buddy Rogers - Took over Haymes' first band (Haymes' first band) [1933]
- Tommy Dorsey - Took over a band formed by Haymes after the Dorsey Brothers split (Original Tommy Dorsey Band) [1935]
- Les Brown - Haymes toured with Brown's band (Tour with Les Brown) [1938]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Memories | 2013 | Album |
| World Championship Ballroom Dances | 1991 | Album |
| Swing | 1989 | Album |
| Joe Loss Plays Glenn Miller | 1988 | Album |
| In A Romantic Mood | 1987 | Album |
| Lavender Blue | 2018-09-15 | Album |
| Memories Are Made Of This | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| Footloose and Fancy: Joe Loss's Dance Band Hits | 2023-07-21 | Album |
| Remember Me? | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| The Loss Concertium & Dance for the World Ballroom Championship | 2011-07-15 | Album |
| Chick Henderson Sings: Begin the Beguine | 2013-03-01 | Album |
| Cold Night- Hot Rhythm - Swingin' in New Year with Joe Loss & His Orchestra | 2025-01-10 | Album |
| Seems Like Old Times | 2023-07-28 | Album |
| In The Mood For Dancing | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| Behind Those Beautiful Eyes | 2023-05-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Till The Lights Of London Shine Again (Memories)
- I'll Never Smile Again (Memories)
- Wheels (Cha Cha)
- Till the Lights of London Shine Again
- Behind the Clouds
- Fascination Waltz (In A Romantic Mood)
- Somewhere In France With You (Memories)
- Russian Rose
- In the Mood (Joe Loss Plays Glenn Miller)
- Tango D'Amore (World Championship Ballroom Dances)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
Joe Loss & His Orchestra has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 17, 2025 | 10:53 | LET'S HAVE A PARTYfrom JOE HAYMES AND HIS ORCHESTRA | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders |