Ken Shattock (KRK) Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Tony-- I have the video of the "knitting lady" in
> my archives. (You know I would,huh !!)
>
> I loved Spike Jones and his City Slickers. The
> Southern Pacific had their famous "Water Service
> Orchestra" on the Western Division that used to
> travel the circuit and entertain the public at
> various functions. A lot of folks thought it was
> originally based on Spike Jones!
>
> Spike Jones made his last appearance in Reno,
> Nevada. He was up to FIVE packs of cigarettes per
> day and dragged an oxygen tank alongside him. It
> was VERY sad at the end!
>
> His famous Banjo player with the stupid grin and
> floppy hairdo died of a heart attack during a show
> at the Alameda Naval Air Station.
>
> KRK

Ken,
I'm not surprised your collection has the knitting lady in Spike Jones' band. I remember that Spike died of cancer, but didn't know he was such a heavy smoker. The banjo player made me laugh just looking at his facial expressions. I have a couple of Spike Jones videos, one of which the banjo player plays his banjo faster than anyone I've seen. In fact it seems like all the band members were quite talented and enjoyed having fun. Being a little looney helped.