Little Caesar (singer) facts for kids

Little Caesar (born Harry Caesar on February 18, 1928 – died June 12, 1994) was a talented American singer and actor. He started his music career in the 1950s, recording songs for labels like Modern and Recorded In Hollywood. He had a big hit on the R&B music charts in 1952 with his song "Goodbye Baby." As an actor, Harry Caesar was well-known for his roles in popular movies such as The Longest Yard (1974) and A Few Good Men (1992).

About Harry Caesar

Harry Caesar was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on February 18, 1928. His parents were Alex Caesar and Hattie Chambers. When he was just one year old, his mother sadly passed away from a serious illness. In 1930, his father moved to Youngstown, Ohio, to find work, leaving Harry and his older brothers and sisters with relatives. By 1940, Harry and his brother Richard joined their father in Youngstown. Harry went to Rayen High School there.

Early Life and Music Career

After high school, Harry joined the army in 1948. While in the Army, he was a heavyweight boxer and represented Fort Ord. When he left the army in 1950, he first wanted to be a professional boxer. However, after a boxing match ended in a tie, he decided to change his path and focus on R&B music instead.

Harry moved to the San Francisco area and worked with a group called The Peter Rabbit Trio. Later, he moved to Oakland, California. He recorded music for the Bihari Brothers at Modern Records and for John Dolphin's Recorded In Hollywood label. In July 1952, Harry performed at a big music event called the 3rd Annual Blues Jubilee. His song, "Goodbye Baby," released on Recorded In Hollywood, became very popular. It reached No. 5 on Billboard's Best Selling R&B chart in November 1952. He continued to release singles in 1953 on Big Town Records and Modern's other label, RPM. In 1960, Harry and his band, the Ark Angels, recorded for Jack Bee Records, which later became Downey Records.

From Music to Acting

In 1960, Harry Caesar started a new career in acting. For over 30 years, until 1993, he appeared in many movies and television shows. He was seen on TV shows like Julia, Sanford and Son, Good Times, The Dukes of Hazzard, and L.A. Law. His film roles included The Longest Yard (1974), Murder in Mississippi (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992). Even while acting, Harry continued to perform music. He performed with Joe Liggins in the 1980s and at a jazz festival in Palm Springs, California, in 1992.

Harry Caesar was married to Marion Kane Bernot, and they had three daughters named Jacqueline, Valerie, and Kimberly. He passed away on June 12, 1994, in Los Angeles. He is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery.

His Music: Albums and Songs

Albums

• 1983: Lying Woman... Goodbye Baby (Route 66)
• 2008: Your On The Hour Man: The Complete Modern, Dolphin And Downey Recordings 1952-1960 (Ace Records)

Singles

• 1952: "Don't Mention The Blues" / "Talkin' To Myself" (Recorded In Hollywood 233)
• 1952: "(Going Down To) The River" / "Long Time Baby" (Recorded In Hollywood 234)
• 1952: "Goodbye Baby" / "If I Could See My Baby" (Recorded In Hollywood 235) – This song reached No. 5 on the R&B chart!
• 1952: "Lying Woman" / "Move Me" (Recorded In Hollywood 236)
• 1953: "Here Is A Letter" / "You're Part of Me" [B-side by Red Callender Sextette] (Recorded In Hollywood 237)
• 1953: "Your Money Ain't Long Enough" / "Do Right Blues" (Recorded In Hollywood 238)
• 1953: "You Can't Bring Me Down" / "Atomic Love" (Recorded In Hollywood 239)
• 1953: "Big Eyes" / "Can't Stand It All Alone" (Big Town 106)
• 1953: "Chains of Love Have Disappeared" / "Tried To Reason With You Baby" (RPM 393)
• 1960: "I Hope That It's Me" / "What Are They Laughing About" (Jack Bee 1005)
• 1960: "The Ghost of Mary Meade" / "The Ghost of Mary Meade (Instrumental)" (Jack Bee 1008)
• 1964: "Show Me The Time" / "What Are They Laughing About" (Ride M-140)

Harry Caesar on Screen

Movies He Appeared In

TV Shows He Appeared In