Jack Little (born John Leonard; May 30, 1899* – April 9, 1956), sometimes credited Little Jack Little, was a British-born American composer, singer, pianist, actor, and songwriter whose songs were featured in several movies. He is not to be confused with the burlesque comedian also known as "Little" Jack Little, who stood 4'5".
Little was born in London, but moved to the United States
when he was 9 years old, growing up in Waterloo, Iowa. He was educated in
pre-med classes at the University of Iowa, where he played in and organized the
university band. Early in his career, Little worked at radio stations,
including WSAI and WLW, both in Cincinnati, Ohio. He had a 15-minute daily
program (originating from WLW) on NBC radio in the early 1930s.
Little toured the country with an orchestra, appearing in
hotels, night clubs, and on radio. In one such touring appearance on radio, at
WOC in Davenport, Iowa, Little "made a new endurance record for himself
... when he remained on the air three hours and sixteen minutes ... [and] sang
fifty-one songs in answer to thousands of requests." He collaborated
musically with Tommie Malie, Dick Finch, John Siras, and Joe Young.
In 1928 he joined ASCAP. From 1933–37, he recorded
prolifically, starting on Bluebird, Columbia, and finally ARC, playing in a
light society dance band style. His compositions include Jealous, I Promise
You, A Shanty in Old Shanty Town and You're a Heavenly Thing. He racked up 14
hit singles for Columbia/Vocalion including the late summer 1935 # 1 I'm In The
Mood For Love.
Little was a
master of a singing-talking technique that was popular in the 1930s, and he was
successful until his violinist, Mitchell Ayres (aka Mitchell Agress), bolted
from the orchestra with some of its other best members and formed their own
band.
Little later led a bolero rhythm orchestra -- he is best remembered by
Honeymooners fans for his mention, alongside Basil Fomeen and Ted Fiorito, by
Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden in the episode "Young at Heart," as he
recalls the bands that used to play at the Sons of Italy Hall in Brooklyn.
During World War II, he and stage and screen star Ray
Bolger entertained for the USO at camps and posts in the Pacific war zone. In
later years, Little often performed at theatres (in an attempt to revive
vaudeville), and he made many guest appearances on television.
He was married to Thea Hellman, who died in 1948; they
had two children. Being a widower and in the mid-1950s under treatment for
hepatitis, he had been in what police called a "hideously depressed"
state.
One morning on April 9, 1956, Little was found dead in
bed by a maid at his home in Hollywood, Florida. An autopsy revealed that
traces of drugs believed to be chloral hydrate or barbiturates were found in
the stomach.
He reportedly left a dozen farewell notes to various people. In one, he wrote, "I know I'm dying and
I'm afraid of the suffering I'll have to go through." In another, addressed to "All My
Friends," he said "Thanks for all the wonderful friendships and good
times together. A little advice-take it
easy, you'll last longer. Always,
Jack."
The fact that Little Jack Little remains so unknown and
underappreciated today is rather shocking and definitely unfair. Hopefully,
some reissue label will soon decide to right that wrong and make his vintage
recordings available again.
(Edited from Wikipedia, Big Band Library.com and the
Vintage Bandstand blog)
In this short subject Jack Little plays three of his
compositions, including At the Baby Parade (piano only). He is further
entertained by Gypsy Nina and the Do-Re-Mi Trio, who sing "My Little Grass
Shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii."
