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SPIKE JONES: Hits Medley


Thurston Howell (Gilligan's Isle) Jim Backus (Mr Magoo) introduces Spike Jones, who looks a bit like an older Leonardo DiCaprio

Lindley Armstrong "Spike" Jones (December 14, 1911 – May 1, 1965) was an American musician and bandleader specializing in performing satirical arrangements of popular songs. Ballads and classical works receiving the Jones treatment would be punctuated with gunshots, whistles, cowbells, and outlandish vocals. Through the 1940s and early 1950s, the band recorded under the title Spike Jones and his City Slickers and toured the United States and Canada under the title The Musical Depreciation Revue.

I always think of Spike Jones around the holidays, because of this song:

George Rock (October 11, 1919 – April 12, 1988) was a member of Spike Jones and His City Slickers.

In addition to being a trumpet player, he also sang with the group from time to time, using a voice characterization that sounded like a child. He sang "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" and "I'm Forever Blowing Bubble Gum," during the recording of which Jones addressed him as "George".

He also performed on other recordings by Spike Jones and the City Slickers including "I'm the Captain of the Space Ship", "You Wanna Buy a Bunny?", "I'm the Angel in the Christmas Play", and "Happy New Year" (the flip side of "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth").

And here's another:

He was a lifelong smoker, and died at 53 of emphysema, to read more about his life:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Jones

Stashed in: Awesome, @alyankovic, Christmas, Twin Peaks, Music Videos, Christmas!, Christmas

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Weird Al talks about Spike Jones

I found "Cocktails for Two", too.

I love the comedy, wish we had more of this, it would do us good ;)

Yes, comedy is always appreciated, Janill.

The Angel in the Christmas Play

Spike Jones is a staple on Cable TV's "Sounds of the Season: Classic Holiday"

Funny, I think of the Two Front Teeth song as a chipmunks song...

Also done by goofy...

Fascinating! So the Chipmunks needed a follow-up to their original "Christmas Song" and looked to remake a classic to keep the hits going. Thank you for sharing, Janill.

Ever hear Mairzy Doats?

I have heard it before, sung by Leland Palmer

That's quite a connection, Spike Jones to Twin Peaks!

Wow, was that a fascinating leap! I don't remember that scene but Leland sings it PERFECTLY!

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