Spike Jones (
December 14,
1911 -
May 1,
1965) was a popular musician/comedian. He was born
Lindley Armstrong Jones in
Long Beach, California. He became a drummer and bandleader, initially supporting such performers as
Al Jolson on the Kraft Music Hall radio programme, then in his own band The City Slickers.
The City Slickers created and performed a series of anarchic, cacophonous parodies of popular songs. An early success was "Der Fuehrer's Face". "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" was a number one hit in 1948.
Other band members were George Rock (voice and trumpet), Doodles Weaver (voice) and Red Ingle (voice).
Jones's wife was the singer Helen Grayco, who performed on some of his radio shows.
Some other well-known tracks included:
- "William Tell Overture"
- "That Old Black Magic"
- "The Blue Danube"
- "The Sheik of Araby"
- "You Always Hurt the One You Love"
Notes by Peter Gamble from
Clink Clink Another Drink CD by Audio Book & Music Company, ABMMCD 1158.
Spike Jones should not be confused with
Spike Jonze the music video and film director.