John "Jack" Purvis was an American jazz musician born on December 11, 1906, in Kokomo, Indiana. He was a talented multi-instrumentalist, primarily known for his skill on the trumpet, but he also played trombone, piano, bass, and harp. Purvis was one of the early adopters of the innovative trumpet techniques pioneered by Louis Armstrong in the late 1920s. He composed pieces such as "Dismal Dan" and "Down Georgia Way."

Purvis's life was marked by both musical brilliance and personal turmoil. After his mother's death in 1912, he became uncontrollable and was sent to a reform school, where he discovered his musical talents. He played with various bands, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police band and Hal Denman's dance band. He also worked with notable groups such as the Original Kentucky Night Hawks, Bud Rice's band, and Whitey Kaufman's Original Pennsylvanians.

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Purvis recorded with several bands, including those led by Hal Kemp, Smith Ballew, and the California Ramblers. He led his own recording sessions and was involved in racially mixed recording projects. Despite his musical success, Purvis struggled with legal issues, including an arrest for robbery in 1937, which led to a prison sentence. While incarcerated, he directed a prison band called the Rhythmic Swingers.

Purvis's mental health was a concern throughout his life, and he reportedly attempted suicide multiple times. Despite these challenges, he maintained a diverse career, working as a chef, aviator, and radio broadcaster. Jack Purvis passed away on March 30, 1962, in San Francisco, California, leaving behind a legacy as a gifted yet troubled jazz musician.