Dudley Richard Little, musician. Served with United States Air Force, 1950-1954. Member American Musician Union, National Orchestra Leaders Association, American Federation of television and Radio Artists, Song Writers Guild, American Society of Composers, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Lodges: Eagles, Moose, Elks (Spokane, Washington).
Background
Born in Worthington, Minnesota, and the son of Tiny Little Senior, a prominent musician and bandleader, Big Tiny first took up playing piano at the age of five, becoming both a honky-tonk, ragtime pianist and playing other instruments such as the organ, bass horn and bass fiddle. After playing in his father"s band for a while, he joined the United States Air Force and did a tour in the Far E.
His primary instrument was the piano. A regular feature of Welk"s popular show, Tiny"s outstanding keyboard artistry has earned him millions of fans from coast to coast. After his tenure on the show (where he was replaced by Jo Ann Castle), he went solo again.
Recording more than 45 albums and making guest appearances on several television programs over the years.
More recently, he played with Mary Lou Metzger, Jack Imel, Ralna English, Ava Barber and Dick Dale in the touring Live Lawrence Welk Show. Little also performed at President Ronald Reagan"s inaugural balls in 1985 and returned to television in the Public Broadcasting Service special.
Lawrence Welk: Milestones and Memories, which featured a reunion of stars from the Welk show. The Dinah Shore Chevy Show of January 20, 1963, was devoted entirely to masters of the piano, featuring Dinah Shore"s four guests, Liberace, Peter Nero, Ray Charles and Big Tiny Little.
He lived in Carson City, Nevada, and died there on March 3, 2010, aged 79.
Achievements
Membership
Served with United States Air Force, 1950-1954. Member American Musician Union, National Orchestra Leaders Association, American Federation of television and Radio Artists, Song Writers Guild, American Society of Composers, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Lodges: Eagles, Moose, Elks (Spokane, Washington).