Harold Little

Harold Little, age 78, died of natural causes on Monday, January 3, 2022.

Harold was born in Wellington to Jimmie Little and Ada (Bates) Little on March 15, 1943.  He attended Wellington public schools, graduating with the class of 1961.  An accomplished musician and vocalist, Harold dedicated his entire life to a career in music and show business.

While still in high school he began his professional career as the show-stopping drummer for The Fantabulous Jags, a popular local band formed in 1957, literally on the vanguard of what was becoming known as rock-and-roll.  Harold and The Jags made an eight-year run, covering the Mid-West from their hometown bandstand at the It-ll Do Club in Wellington, with club venues in five states, including major cities such as Wichita, Kansas City, Denver, and eventually Las Vegas.

Harold was recruited and joined Orange Colored Sky, one of the premier bands in Southern California.  With that group, he opened or backed such notable entertainers as Sinatra, Glenn Campbell, Bert Bacharach, and many others.  He completed his musical career as the drummer and vocalist for the jazz group led by pianist, Big Tiny Little (no relation) a regular performer at jazz venues such as The Monterey Jazz Festival.

He retired in 2017, leaving his long-time residence in the Tahoe/Reno area to relocate to Indiana near his daughter and her family.  He was residing in Plainfield, Indiana, at the time of his death.  Harold was especially fond of time shared with his grandchildren; time short, indeed, due to his struggle with Alzheimer’s.   A gifted mechanic, Harold was a Harley fanatic his entire life; his flathead Ford and early Chevy V8 engines were legends in their own time.  On the quiet side, Harold enjoyed following his daughter’s television career which included covering the Indy Car and NASCAR race circuits.  Her success was a source of great pride to him.  He also enjoyed fishing and visiting with friends and fans.

Harold is survived by his only child and daughter, Jamie Little, and her husband Cody Selman; grandchildren Carter and Sierra, all of Indiana; nephews Johnathon Little (Ohio) and Jimmie Little (Michigan); and cousin Janice Essick (Kansas).  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Katrina, and brother Horace.  Cremation has occurred and a celebration of life is planned for early spring in Wellington, with eventual burial at Buckeye Cemetery in Ellsworth, KS.