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.
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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.
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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."