 Multi-talented entertainer Jim Stafford remains best remembered for the novelty songs he released in the 1970s, particularly the single "Spiders & Snakes," which made him an international star. Born to a musical family in Eloise, Florida, he was playing guitar in his first band at age 14. As soon as he graduated from high school, Stafford went to Nashville, where he was a backup musician for Jumpin' Bill Carlisle. Stafford began his famous one-man-band act during a session, when his drummer suddenly quit. He also continued to hone his songwriting skills, focusing on novelty songs because he felt his singing voice wasn't very good. He started out playing dance clubs, where he offered humorous running commentaries on the skills of the go-go dancers. He was performing in Clearwater, Florida when he reunited with Nashville friend Lobo; Stafford asked him to perform his song "Swamp Witch," but Lobo convinced Stafford to perform it himself. The song eventually made its way to Mike Curb, who signed Stafford to MGM Records. The single was released in 1973 and became a Top 40 pop hit. Stafford then released "Spiders & Snakes," which was a smash hit on both the pop and country charts and went gold in 1974. His next hit was the playful "My Girl Bill," which did better on the pop charts than the country charts. He had two more hits, "Wildwood Weed" (co-written with Don Bowman) and "Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne." In 1975, he hosted the summer replacement series The Jim Stafford Show, which featured Mel Blanc and others. Although Stafford's quirky songs brought him fame, the show gave him a chance to showcase his exceptional ability as a guitar player. In late 1975, he had another pop hit for MGM, "I Got Stoned and I Missed It." He had two more minor pop hits in the '70s. In 1980, following a divorce from singer Bobbie Gentry, he appeared in Clint Eastwood's Any Which Way You Can and penned the song "Cow Patti," which made the Top 70 on the country charts in 1981. The following year, he hosted Nashville on the Road with Rex Allen, Jr. and Sue Powell, and composed three songs for Disney's animated feature The Fox and the Hound. In subsequent years, Stafford performed in Las Vegas and at small concerts and county fairs. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Music Guide
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