Isham Jones established his orchestra in the late 1910s, becoming one of the most prolific recording acts of the 1920s and 1930s. The ensemble built a reputation for sophisticated dance music and jazz arrangements, with several releases achieving remarkable commercial success—most notably a record that sold nearly 2 million copies. The orchestra became a launching pad for exceptional talent, helping shape the careers of influential musicians who would go on to define the era's sound.
Though the original orchestra disbanded in 1936, its legacy fractured into two distinct lineages. The ensemble's "hot" faction evolved into a long-running group that remained active through the 1980s, continuing the orchestra's tradition of dynamic, forward-thinking arrangements. The Isham Jones Orchestra's influence on big band and dance music remains significant, having bridged the gap between popular dance orchestras and jazz innovation during a transformative period in American music history.