Johnny Puleo born October 7, 1907

Johnny Puleo (October 7, 1907 – May 3, 1983) was an American musician and actor who specialized in playing the harmonica.

John D. Puleo was born a dwarf (he stood 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m) as an adult) in Washington, D.C., he worked as a newspaper seller until being discovered at a contest in Boston held by bandleader Borrah Minevitch, of The Harmonica Rascals. Soon he joined a comedy variety act, during which time he learned the art of pantomime that contributed so much to his success. He then joined the Rascals, with whom he toured the world. 

Unfortunately, Puleo signed a long-term contract with Minevitch, being paid a small amount of what was collected from his performances.  In 1941, following a strike with Minevitch, Johnny, as well as many other Minevitch Rascals, left in attempt to start a different group. The entirety of the group had moved in with Johnny's parents, living and rehearsing in their basement. The group did not last long, as Minevitch threatened legal action and was able to acquire his players again.

                                  

Following Minevitch's death in 1955, Puleo formed his own group, Johnny Puleo and his Harmonica Gang, which included: Eddie Gordon, Dominic Sgro, Tony Sgro, Frank Maquis, JoJo DeFluvio, Carl Ford, Les McGann, Gene DeMase and Dave Doucette. The group had many albums on Audio Fidelity records starting in 1957, and even released a two record album with the Chimes Family. He also acted in several films, most notably Trapeze (1956). 

The Harmonica Gang appeared at top supper clubs throughout the USA, including the famous Latin Quarter in New York and Miami Beach, the Riviera in Las Vegas, Palmer House in Chicago, The Roosevelt in New Orleans, and Twin Coaches in Pittsburgh, as well as venues like the Moulin Rouge and London Palladium overseas. 

Puleo performed in front of such notables as the Royal Command in England and the Presidents of the United States and France. In addition to his mastery of the harmonica, he was a past master of the art of pantomime and a dramatic actor of considerable ability. Puleo entertained three presidents, and appeared on the Ed Hollywood Palace, Sullivan, Milton Berle, Steve Allen, Dean Martin and Perry Como television shows.

Puleo and his five-member band released a series of high-energy light-pop LPs on Audio Fidelity Records. His first album was the first LP to be released in a single-tone-arm stereo format in 1957. More (at least seven) albums on the Audio Fidelity label followed well into the 1960s. Puleo was an early advocate for use of the zip code within the United States. In a 1963 TV commercial, he climbed up a small ladder and said, "Now remember, use your zip code," as he pointed to a letter going into the mailbox.

Puleo resided in his native Washington, D.C., throughout his adult life. Public records indicate he married Evelyn O'Shea in Nevada on December 31, 1968. He performed with his Harmonica Gang until 1973 when he retired. He nonetheless persisted in smaller-scale performances and occasional television spots into the early 1980s making his last professional appearance on SCTV the year before his death. Puleo died from respiratory failure at Holy Cross Hospital in his native Washington, D.C., May 3, 1983 at the age of 74.

(Edited from Wikipedia)