07 December 2021

Little Jack Little – Phantom Dancer 7 December 2021

Greg Poppleton's Phantom Dancer swing jazz radio show

Little Jack Little is this week’s Phantom Dancer feature artist. Born John Leonard in London, he was a British-born American composer, singer, pianist, actor and songwriter.

His compositions include “Jealous”, “I Promise You”, “A Shanty in Old Shanty Town” and “You’re a Heavenly Thing”.

LISTEN to this Phantom Dancer mix (online after 2pm AEST, Tuesday 7 December) and two years of Phantom Dancer mixes online at, at https://2ser.com/phantom-dancer/

I’m Greg Poppleton, The Phantom Dancer producer and presenter every week on 107.3 2SER radio Sydney since 1985.

LITTLE

Little Jack Little, his stage name derived from his birth name and height, started as a piano player and singer in vaudeville in 1917 aged 17 or 18.

In an article in the New York Times it was explained that, “he would introduce his songs in a soft, almost whispering voice, while executing a series of little arpeggios and other piano embellishments. His radio approach was reminiscent of the arrival of a cheerful songbird.”

JACK

In 1930, Little Jack Little recorded a series of piano/vocal radio transcriptions titled, “Yors Very Truly, Little Jack Little” which evoked the atmosphere of a genial host at home trying out the latest sheet music on the piano.
He continued with this style on radio throughout his career which spanned WW2 (when he also toured USO shows with Jack Bolger) and into the 1950s on TV.

Here’s a list of his 1930s transcriptions, one of which you can enjoy on this week’s Phantom Dancer:
42300 A “ST. LOUIS BLUES”  10-06-30 :12:25

42300 B “LET THEM BE THEIR OWN JUDGES”  10-09-30 :13:35

42300 C “DIZZY FINGERS”  10-11-30 :13:14

42300 D “LOVE YOUR MAGIC SPELL IS  10-13-30 :13:14
EVERYWHERE”

42300 E “INDIAN LOVE CALL”  10-16-30 :13:27

42301 A “THE VOICE OF THE PUBLIC”  10-18-30 :13:21

42301 B “WHEN THE LITTLE RED ROSES GET 10-20-30 :13:16
THE BLUES FOR YOU”

42301 C “TELLING IT TO THE DAISIES” 10-23-30 :13:15

42301 D “LITTLE GYPSY SWEETHEART” 10-25-30 :13:20

53144 A “SWEEPING THE CLOUDS AWAY” 11-03-30 :13:02

53144 B “LUCKY LITTLE DEVIL”  11-06-30 :13:27

53144 C “I’M SAILING ON A SUMBEAM” 11-08-30 :13:15

53144 D “THE MAN FROM THE SOUTH” 11-10-30 :13:27

In 1933 he started his own orchestra (which you can see in the soundie above), playing hotels in New York City, Atlantic City, Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago

His wife died in 1948, by the mid-50s he was being treated for hepatitis and was depressed.

In 1956, Little was found dead in bed by a maid. An autopsy revealed that traces of chloral hydrate or barbiturates in his stomach.

He left farewell notes to various people, including, “I know I’m dying and I’m afraid of the suffering I’ll have to go through,” and “All My Friends, Thanks for all the wonderful friendships and good times together. A little advice-take it easy, you’ll last longer. Always, Jack.”

7 DECEMBER PLAY LIST