Who Are Those Singers & Musicians? ~ John Littleton

 

John Littleton was born on June 20, 1922, in Tallulah, Louisiana the son of Reverend John L. Littleton, Sr. and Bertha Littleton. He attended elementary and high school in the public schools of Madison Parish. His musical ability was discovered by the late Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson (Mrs. T) of Tallulah - an accomplished musician in her own right -- who tutored him as a young boy. 

After graduation from high school, John enlisted in the army and served in World War II. When the War was over, he stayed in France and studied at the Paris Conservatory of Music where he became a well-known concert artist. He specialized in traditional southern spirituals, blues, blue grass as well as the classics. In 1956 he won first place singing opera at the Paris Conservatory and was the first Negro to do so. Later John received worldwide acclaim as a musician.

He cut altogether 75 records, and received many prizes and honors, including the Prix Mahalia Jackson and France's greatest recording distinction, Le Grand Prix du Disque Charles Cros. His spiritual message can be felt in all his work. Among his many distinctions was that of Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur.

John Littleton died on August 24, 1998, in Reims, France and was buried in Paris on September 1, 1998.

LITTLETON, John (John Louis Littleton Jr.) [6/20/1922, Tallulah, Louisiana, U.S.A. – 8/24/1998, Reims, Marne, France] – songwriter, singer, musician (guitar), married to Jeanine Estelle Anna Diblik [1927-2022] (1957-1998) father of composer, lyricist Doris Littleton, Patrick Littleton.

Billy the Kid – 1963 [Sings: “Ride Along”, Spiritual”]

Tomb of the Pistolero - 1964 [Sings "My Pistolero"]