Spike Jones was born December of 1911, but that is not all that there is about this talent of early radio. Besides he being an accomplished bandleader, Jones also inspired a satirical approach to his music by incorporating sound effect into the score. Spike Jones and His City Slickers were hugely renowned as the king of music jocularity. By adding cowbells and catcalls, Jones developed a musical blend and comedy routine that shook the rafters of wherever their venue. His group was especially big during the 1940’s and 50’s. Lindley “Spike” Jones gained his famous nickname because he resembled a railroad spike as a lanky and skinny individual. The sound effect addition came as a result of his youth when he was taught the “art” of pots and pans as added noise makers. He performed on Bing Crosby;’s first recording of White Christmas. Spike gained a radio following when he performed , The Chase and Sanborn Program, for NBC. As Edgar Bergen’s summer replacement, Jones grew in notoriety as more Americans had the opportunity to hear his talent. Mel Torme and Burl Ives were just a couple of the many guest stars that came onto his radio program over a 2-year period. Unfortunately, for America Spike’s life was cut short at the age of 53 when he passed away from emphysema. He may have moved on, but not his legacy.
