Expert: Gary Theroux - 11/20/2003

Question
In 1962 7yr old Little Jo Ann Morse had a hit song called "My Daddy is President", my question is Who was she and whatever became of her?

Answer
Jo Ann Morse was indeed seven years old in 1962 when she recorded her only chart entry, "My Daddy Is President," under the name "Little Jo Ann."  The instrumental B-side was "Macaroni (Caroline's Pony)," by Harmony Jones & his Orchestra (who also backed Jo Ann on the A side).  Released on Kapp 467, the single earned brief airplay on a number of U.S. and Canadian stations, including New York's legendary WABC in July 1962.  It's peak chart position in Billboard was #67 over a five-week run; in Cashbox, it peaked at #71 over a seven week run. So who were Jo Ann Morse and Harmony Jones?  Frankly, I have no idea -- and there is no biographical information on either of them in my files.  Without further information, all I can say is that they came from nowhere with a novelty idea playing off JFK's daughter and the joke earned a few DJ spins at the time. As far as I know, the track has never been reissued (original copies sell from between $5-$10 thes days to those few interested) and it has recieved next to no airplay over the past four decades.