Alto saxophonist Alvy West was a member of Zinn Arthur's orchestra prior to World War II. During the 1940s he worked with Paul Whiteman and also led his own combo, the Little Band, a small group that featured an accordion. The Little Band enjoyed a period of brief popularity in the late 1940s when they made several recordings with some of the era's top vocalists, including Frank Sinatra and Anita O'Day. Guitarist Charlie Byrd was a member of the combo in 1949. During the 1950s West wrote theme songs for the NBC series of television specials called "NBC Presents." In 1954 he was featured on Eileen Barton's CBS radio program. Around that time he also formed his own orchestra and recorded several albums. West also served as musical director for Andy Williams, both on television and in recordings. In 1985 he had a bit part in the film Desperately Seeking Susan as a saxophonist.