"Spike" Jones was born Lindley Armstrong
Jones on December 14, 1911 in Long Beach, California. He grew up to become one of the greatest and most influential musical
satirists of the 20th century. In the 1940s, Jones put together a top flight organization of musicians and comedic performers
and called them "The City Slickers". Jones had many a top 10 hit during his heyday with such song parodies as "Yes,
We Have No Bananas", "Der Fuhrer's Face", and "Cocktails For Two", among many others.
When playing live, Jones and his City Slickers were a visual
assault on the sense as well. When they were on stage, the band would dress up in crazy suits and act as nutty as possible.
And while all of the mayhem was taking place on stage, Jones would stand there nonchalantly chewing gum as he directed his
band. Then, he would leap over to his xylophone, horn, or other musical instrument and dazzle you with his musicianship.