Born on June 20, 1922, son of Reverend John L. Littleton, Sr. and Bertha Littleton. He attended elementary and high school in the public schools of Madison Parish. His musical ability was discovered by the late Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson (Mrs. T) of Tallulah - an accomplished musician in her own right -- who tutored him as a young boy.

After graduation from high school, John enlisted in the army and served in World War II. When the War was over, he stayed in France and studied at the Paris Conservatory of Music where he became a well-known concert artist. He specialized in traditional southern spirituals, blues, blue grass as well as the classics. In 1956 he won first place singing opera at the Paris Conservatory and was the first person of colour to do so.

Later John received worldwide acclaim as a musician.

He died in August 24, 1998 in Reims, France and was buried in Paris on September 1, 1998.