1 9 5 4 – 1 9 6 1 (USA)
Spike Jones and his singer wife, Helen Grayco, along with Spike’s City Slicker Band, starred in this weekly fill-in series that appeared in four different seasons.
Cowbells, foghorns, slide whistles, and other paraphernalia were the featured instruments in Spike’s band, as virtually every type of music was reduced to mayhem. Spike, in his striped suit, presided over the merry band of musical lunatics.
The nature of their work could probably best be described by one of their album titles – Dinner Music for People Who Aren’t Very Hungry.
The series included, along with the outrageous musical numbers, straight singing by Helen Grayco, appearances by guest stars, and comedy sketches.
During the summer of 1960, there was a regular group of supporting comedians, the most famous being Bill Dana in his role as Jose Jimenez. Dana also produced the show.
The members of the band all participated in the comedy skits and generally contributed to the frenetic nuttiness of the show.
Spike Jones
Helen Grayco
Billy Barty
Bill Dana
Joyce Jameson
Len Weinrib
