James Oswald Little, a celebrated Australian Aboriginal musician, actor, and educator, entered this world on March 1, 1937, and ultimately left his mark on this earth on April 2, 2012. As a proud member of the Yorta Yorta tribe, he had the privilege of growing up on the Cummeragunja Reserve, located in the picturesque state of New South Wales.
The illustrious career of Little, a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist, has been a remarkable one, stretching an astonishing six decades in length, with its origins dating back to the year 1951. During this remarkable tenure, Little emerged as a dominant force on the Australian music scene, his artistry heavily influenced by the styles of legendary performers such as Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, and Jim Reeves.
As his fame grew, Little's music began to resonate with audiences far and wide, with his gospel song "Royal Telephone," released in 1963, achieving a remarkable commercial success, selling an impressive 75,000 copies. Furthermore, his album Messenger, released in 1999, reached an impressive peak of No. 26 on the esteemed ARIA Albums Chart, a testament to Little's enduring talent and influence on the music world.
Michael Little, a renowned artist, has garnered a multitude of prestigious accolades throughout his illustrious career. His impressive résumé includes the esteemed honor of being inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame, as well as taking home the coveted ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 1999 ARIA Music Awards.
In addition to these notable achievements, Little was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and his tireless efforts towards reconciliation and the promotion of Indigenous culture. On Australia Day in the year 2004, he was bestowed the distinguished honor of being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia. This prestigious award is a testament to his dedication and commitment to his craft, as well as his enduring impact on the lives of many.
Notable beyond his impressive musical endeavors, Little expanded his artistic horizons by venturing into the realm of acting, making memorable appearances in a diverse array of cinematic endeavors, including the 1960 film "Shadow of the Boomerang", which showcased his versatility as a performer.
He further demonstrated his range by taking on roles in notable films such as "Until the End of the World", released in 1991, a testament to his ability to adapt to a wide range of dramatic contexts.
In addition to his work in film, Little also explored the world of live theatre, captivating audiences with his performances in productions such as "Black Cockatoos", a powerful and emotive work that highlighted his ability to convey complex emotions and characters.
Furthermore, he ventured into the realm of opera, bringing his unique talent and interpretive skills to the stage in productions such as "Black River", a thrilling and dramatic performance that showcased his impressive vocal range and mastery of the operatic art form.
Little's professional journey as an educator unfolded in a significant manner, commencing with a tenure at the Eora Centre in Redfern, a prestigious institution, from the year 1985 onwards. Subsequently, in the year 2000, Little's expertise and reputation earned her the esteemed position of guest lecturer at the University of Sydney's Koori Centre, a renowned academic hub.
