About Spike Jones & His City Slickers

Spike Jones was the original madcap bandleader who was popular in the 1940s and '50s. US based, his speciality was sending up the songs of the time using a vast array of sound effects including pots and pans, gongs, horns, guns, bells, broken glass effects - anything. Classical music pieces also received the Spike Jones treatment with hilarious effect. He was a drummer himself but spent most of his time fronting the band of highly accomplished musicians, often getting involved in crazy antics and chases around the stage. He had a radio show and at least one television recording. Songs included Lulu had a baby; Cocktails for two; I went to your wedding; Lieberstraum.