Call them what you will: Musical stand-up comics, comedy-folk duos, novelty bands, or maybe just musical comedians. No matter your preferred title, mixing music and comedy is nothing new. Writing a joke and writing a song may seem like opposites, but many funny-folk have proved they’re often two sides of the same coin.

Some musical comedians play music throughout their entire set. Others use instruments and song to punctuate their more traditional joke telling. Either way (and everything in between), musical comedians show off a particular kind of wit. Here, in no particular order, are seven of our favourites!

7 of the Best Musical Comedians

Spike Jones

Like so many other musical comedians in the late 1930s (and beyond), Spike Jones began as a musician and then branched into comedy. He began his career as a studio drummer and performing on radio shows. There, he realized bigger sounds were needed to punctuate particular moments. With that discovery in mind, he integrated sound effects and wacky instruments into his music, which set him apart from his contemporaries.

One of Jones’s more famous “novelty” songs is his special take on the romantic “Cocktails for Two.” Jones took the old tune about a nice evening out and turned it on its head with horns, bells, and a whole lot of percussive effects. The end result delighted listeners.

Flight of the Conchords

New Zealand duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie sing about all kinds of topics: from the robot uprising to denying that they are weeping. But no matter the subject, all their songs have an absurdist bent. The pair cleverly utilize their nerdy, quiet personas to explore whatever topic they want! It can feel random, but it all works thanks to their clever lyrics and catchy melodies. In fact, their novelty songs were so popular they turned them into an HBO series named after the band.

The Smothers Brothers

Most often found in matching suits, Tom and Dick Smothers may not have looked like traditional comedians to begin with. Their act often relied on their straight-laced appearance and folk harmonies–that would devolve into brotherly arguments. In the 1960s, they hosted their own variety show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which provided sharp political satire, lampooning subjects such as racism and the Vietnam War. That, however, made the show somewhat controversial for the time and, despite its popularity, it was canceled in 1969.

Steve Martin

It’s no surprise that while writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Steven Martin would be influenced by the show. Following in the Brothers’ footsteps, Martin’s stand-up routines included funny songs, like his most famous, “King Tut,” which described the boy king’s funkiness. Additionally, where other musical comedians tend to favour the guitar or piano, Martin leans to the banjo. The somewhat unique instrument makes an appearance in several of his bits, including “Dueling Banjos,” which features a noticeably absent second banjo.

Despite being a leading stand-up comedy act in the ’70s, Martin would eventually leave the stage to pursue acting, but he continues to play music, especially bluegrass, today.

Tenacious D

Setting themselves apart from most of the other acts on this list, Tenacious D offers a heavier sound, which they use to both parody and pay tribute to classic rock. Kyle Glass plays straight man to Jack Black’s wild card and it just works. Less stand-up comics to play music and far more musical comedians, Tenacious D’s memorable songs are equal parts funny and fantastic music.

Demetri Martin

At the opposite end of the musical comedian spectrum, Demetri Martin tells jokes in a more traditional style for a stand-up comedian, but he plays his guitar as he does. He also plays ukulele, harmonica, and even the glockenspiel. He uses these instruments, as well as other props he brings on stage, to augment his uniquely goofy sense of humour. While me mostly tells jokes while his music acts as background sound, he does also play the occasional song.

Weird Al Yankovic

Of course, no list of musical comedians would be complete without the man himself, Weird Al! While he’s not the first person to parody music, his ability to change popular songs into something new, memorable, and hilarious, is unequaled. Since the early ’80s, he’s parodied the biggest names in music: Michael Jackson, Nirvana, Coolio, Madonna, John Williams, Lady Gaga, and countless others. No matter which direction the music industry winds blow, he’s there to use it for musical comedy gold.

The only drawback to being Weird Al is that he will never experience one of music’s greatest honours: being parodied by Weird Al!

Musical Comedians Are Here to Stay

Music is so deeply connected with human emotions that it’s likely music and humour have always gone hand in hand. It certainly has for at least the last several decades, as evidenced by these musical comedian, and many more. Whether it’s their clever way of getting their voices and messages heard, or a way to differentiate themselves from other musicians and comics, it works, and musical comedians are here to stay!

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Whether you want to be a musical comedian or just a musician, the professional instructors at The Music Studio can help! We offer a wide variety of ensembles, classes, private lessons, and summer camps. Many of our programs are available for all ages and all skill levels, so no matter where you are on your musical journey, The Music Studio is there. Sign up today!