Michael Joseph O'Sullivan, known professionally as Joe Sullivan, was born on November 4, 1906, in Chicago, Illinois. He was an influential American jazz pianist, particularly known for his contributions to the Chicago jazz scene in the 1920s. Sullivan was the ninth child of Irish immigrant parents and studied classical piano for 12 years. At the age of 17, he transitioned to popular music, performing in silent-movie theaters, radio stations, and dance orchestras, where he was introduced to jazz. He graduated from the Chicago Conservatory and began his recording career in 1927 with McKenzie and Condon's Chicagoans.

Sullivan's circle included notable musicians such as Jimmy McPartland, Frank Teschemacher, Bud Freeman, Jim Lanigan, and Gene Krupa. In 1932, he was part of the recording group the Rhythmakers and later joined Bing Crosby as an accompanist in 1933, recording and broadcasting extensively.

In 1936, Sullivan contracted tuberculosis and during his convalescence in 1937, Bing Crosby organized a benefit concert for him in Los Angeles, raising approximately $3,000. After recovering, Sullivan briefly rejoined Bing Crosby in 1938 and the Bob Crosby Orchestra in 1939. He led Joe Sullivan's Cafe Society Orchestra in 1940, achieving a minor hit with "I've Got a Crush on You."

By the 1950s, Sullivan's career waned, and he played solo in San Francisco. Personal issues, including marital difficulties and excessive drinking, affected his reliability. In 1963, he reunited with old colleagues at the Monterey Jazz Festival. British poet Roy Fisher honored Sullivan's musical legacy with a poem titled "The Thing About Joe Sullivan."

Sullivan passed away on October 13, 1971, in San Francisco at the age of 64. His discography includes notable recordings such as "Gin Mill Blues" (1933), "Little Rock Getaway" (1935), and "Joe Sullivan Plays Fats Waller" (1954), among others.