Near the end of the 1920s into the 1930s, Jarrett was a member of the dance orchestras of Earl Burtnett, Ted Weems, Jimmie Noone, and Red Nichols, playing banjo, guitar, and trombone as well as singing.

His high tenor voice made him popular in feature films and shorts.

He had a record year in 1933, introducing such songs as "Everything I Have is Yours" from Dancing Lady, "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?"

Jarrett was reportedly engaged to actress Gilda Gray but the marriage never took place.

He died July 23, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, just three days after his 80th birthday.