Spike Jones Fan site: News

Spike's old bandmate Bernie Jones dies at 96

Hi,

I'm Kimberly Freeman. Bernie Jone (AKA Ole Svenson) is my hero and grandpa. He just passed away last month, and I thought you'd like to know and perhaps post the obituary that I wrote for his funeral.

If anyone has photos of Bernie (I know there were many taken with Spike) or music to share, PLEASE please send them my way. I'm putting together a website about him.

I believe that's him on the left in the top banner picture. With a sax and dark hat...

Thanks so much!!

Love and Gratitude,
kimberly
dollbooking(at)removethisyahoo.com
[link]
[link]

Bernie Jones
December 23, 1911 - October 5, 2008

Bernie Jones was a man impossible to categorize. Actor, Comedian, Artist, Musician, War Veteran, Ole, Father, Friend and Hero were only a few of his titles.

A legendary working musician through the age of 96, Bernie shared the stage with the likes of Bob Hope, Spike Jones, Red Skelton, Dave Cooley, Jimmie Greer, Ozzie Nelson and countless others on dozens of radio shows, television shows, movies and tours.

Bernie was famous for his incredible saxophone and clarinet playing, but his musical skills spanned almost every instrument. Guitar, piano, voice and anything that he picked up was effortlessly his. One of his many musical accomplishments includes co-writing three songs and singing practically all of the lead vocals on a certain best-selling album. Among his many genres, his mastery of polka brought Bernie to the spotlight for much of his career. Polka Parade was but one of many television shows to employ this versatile and sought-after musician.

His service in World War II was musical, and Bernie continued to volunteer his talents to his fellow veterans until the end of his life. Until very recently, Bernie has been performing regularly at the Veterans Hospital as well as at Casey’s in Woodland Hills, California, a regular hotspot for local vets and music fans.

Bernie was a long-standing member of the Professional Musicians Local 47 and the American Federation of Musicians and Employers.

As an actor, Bernie Jones flourished in the hilarious comedic role of Punky, the Swedish Sailor in the 1953 dark suspense film, Dance Hall Racket, stealing the spotlight and brightening the mood of the film with his Ole Svenson-like portrayal. Also included on his impressive resume are cameo appearances in Dick Tracy, 1990, and again as himself in a long-running CBS television show. Bernie was a proud member of the Screen Actor’s Guild.

Ole Svenson was the name of the infamous character that he slipped into seamlessly for his music, comedy and acting roles. Together, Bernie and Ole brought smiles and tears of laughter to generations of fans and loved-ones.

Among his many talents, Bernie Jones was an amazing oil painter. Effortlessly capturing the beauty, light and essence of hundreds of landscapes, still-life and especially portraits, his work is some of the finest of our time. Like his music, the style is realistic, yet impressionist; dark yet luminescent, honestly portraying humanity at its best – and like himself, impossible to categorize.

Perhaps it was his long musical employment in Las Vegas that’s portrayed in the countless dark vaudevillian pieces, while his love of nature and purity is delicately displayed in others. A sense of humor and respect for life are present in every thoughtful work of art.

Born in 1911 in Oregon, Bernie Jones has led a long and fruitful life of nearly 97 years, surrounded by musicians, fans, friends and family. He leaves behind his daughter Candace, his brother Byron, and several adoring nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A public service will be held for Bernie at Angeleno Mortuary on Friday, October 10. He will then be buried privately on Monday, October 13 next to his beloved daughter, Kathleen Dana Jones at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, CA.

[Submitted by Kimberly]

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