The Jimmy Little Connection

The late Jimmy Little was one of Australia’s best-loved entertainers.  He became an icon of the Australian music industry

Long before he was famous, Jimmy Little sang at a school concert in Greenwell Point, NSW.  Betty and Charlie invited him to stay the night at their place after the gig.

In her memoir ‘Early Days‘, Betty notes:

The school used to have quite a few concerts and fancy dress turnouts and I particularly remember Sandra being a little fairy and another time Little Bo-Peep and Sheryl was a little painter, with overalls made out of a pair of Chick’s old overalls, complete with paint.  Another time, she was a little tramp, with a little hat complete with corks. All the children looked forward to these occasions, as we managed to get some good local talent for the concerts.

Our most memorable performer was Jimmy Little, who was only a young lad at the time.  We took him home to stay the night and the next morning he played and sang on our front verandah.

Our close neighbours gathered round to listen. We all thought he was wonderful and none of us were to know he would become famous later on. Chic met him years later and he wrote a message to our four girls.

I still have the message that Betty mentions.  Here’s a picture of it:

Transcript

20-10-63 – Blacktown Workers Club

Sandra, Cheryl, Jan, and Carol Christensen

I’d just like to say hello to your mum and dad. I still remember the weekend I stayed at your home at Greenwell Point.

Your friend always
Jimmy Little

“Carol” would refer to “Karen”. Jimmy may have misheard the name.

“Royal Telephone” was one of Jimmy’s most famous songs.

Jimmy Little died in 2012.