Spike Jones

Spike Jones (1911-1965) was an American bandleader and musician from Long Beach, California who built his career around comedic, satirical arrangements of popular songs and classical music. His band, the City Slickers, recorded for RCA Victor and turned well-known tunes into chaotic productions packed with gunshots, cowbells, whistles, burps, and outlandish vocals. Before finding his comedic niche, Jones worked as a jazz drummer and radio session player backing artists like Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby.