Spike Jones, born Lindley Armstrong Jones on December 14, 1911, in Long Beach, California, was a renowned American musician, bandleader, and conductor. He gained fame for his novelty recordings and comedic arrangements of popular songs and classical music. Known for his use of unconventional sound effects such as gunshots, whistles, cowbells, and comedic vocals, Jones brought a unique style to the music scene.

He started playing drums at a young age and formed his first band, Spike Jones and his Five Tacks, as a teenager. In the 1930s, he joined the Victor Young orchestra and appeared on various radio shows. In 1942, Jones formed Spike Jones and His City Slickers, a band that became famous for its satirical renditions of popular songs. Their hit recording "Der Fuehrer's Face" catapulted them to fame, and they continued to produce comic hits into the 1950s. Jones also hosted his own TV show and later transitioned his band to play Dixieland music.

Jones was married twice, first to Patricia Middleton and later to Helen Grayco, and had two children, Spike Jones Jr. and Leslie Ann Jones. He passed away on May 1, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy of humor and innovation in music.