Spike Jones was born on December 14, 1911 in Long Beach, California, USA. He was an actor and composer, known for Mr. Nobody (2009), I.Q. (1994) and Fireman Save My Child (1954). He was married to Helen Grayco and Patricia Middleton. He died on May 1, 1965 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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.
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.
Interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA.
Known for his madcap comical musical arrangements and lyrics.