Little Jack Little was a British-born American composer, singer, pianist, actor, and songwriter whose songs were featured in several movies. He’s your Phantom Dancer feature artist this week.

The Phantom Dancer is your weekly non-stop mix of swing and jazz from live 1920s-60s radio and TV every week.

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LITTLE JACK

Little Jack Little was studying to be a doctor at the University of Iowa where he organised and played in the university orchestra.

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 US with his orchestra, appearing in hotels, night clubs, and on radio.

In one appearance on radio WOC 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 Little Jack Little joined ASCAP.

From 1933 to 1937, he recorded prolifically, starting on Bluebird, Columbia, and finally ARC, playing in a light society dance band style.

He often worked with musical director Mitchell Ayres. His compositions include Jealous, I Promise You, A Shanty in Old Shanty Town, and You’re a Heavenly Thing.

19 August PLAY LIST