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Spike Jones

Biography

Spike Jones

Overview

  • Born
    December 14, 1911 · Long Beach, California, USA
  • Died
    May 1, 1965 · Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA (emphysema)
  • Birth name
    Lindley Armstrong Jones

Mini bio

  • American bandleader, drummer, and comedian famous for his satirical, comedic arrangements of popular songs and classical music, punctuated with sound effects like gunshots, whistles, and strange vocals. Best known for his band, Spike Jones And His City Slickers, he had major hits in the 1940s and 50s, including the World War II propaganda song "Der Fuehrer's Face" and the holiday classic "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth."
    - IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous

Family

  • Spouses
      Helen Grayco(July 18, 1948 - May 1, 1965) (his death, 3 children)
      Patricia Middleton(September 7, 1935 - 1946) (divorced, 1 child)
  • Children
      Spike Jones Jr.
      Leslie Ann Jones
  • Relatives
      Alexandra Selsman Hughes(Grandchild)
      Judy Strangis(Niece or Nephew)

Trademarks

  • Wild custom made suits

Trivia

  • Began his career as a top studio drummer, working on several Bing Crosby sessions and as a percussionist on the The Wizard of Oz (1939) soundtrack, among many other assignments.
  • Had an unusual hobby as a young adult of collecting junk that made odd, funny noises, which started the orchestra leader off on his wild and wooly career that would feature everything from cowbells to toilet plungers.
  • Spike reportedly got his idea for demented re-workings of popular songs after hearing the squeaking shoes of an orchestra conductor during a live broadcast of a symphony performance.
  • Known for his madcap comical musical arrangements and lyrics.
  • Got his nickname from his father's co-workers on the Southern Pacific Railroad.

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