Tom C. Fouts, nicknamed Stubby for his stature, left
Indiana Central University after a year, and in 1938 formed a band with five friends.
The Six Hoosiers specialized in comedy, Fouts playing novelty instruments like a "tuned toilet seat" he called the "gitarlet."
WDAN radio in
Danville, Illinois signed them to a contract, and in 1940 held a contest to rename the Six Hoosiers. The $100 prizewinner suggested
Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers. (During performances, Fouts would sometimes refer to them as "Captain Stubby and the bucket of tears.") Appropriately, the band joined the
U.S. Navy in 1944, Entertainment Division, going overseas to entertain sailors. After
World War II they signed with
WLS Radio in
Chicago and performed on the popular
National Barn Dance, heard throughout the
Midwest. Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers eventually became regulars on the
ABC-TV program
Polka Go-Round. They also recorded with five labels, performing many of Fouts' songs. With singer
Lola Dee, they recorded the
Mercury Records single "Padre" and "Takin' The Trains Out". Fouts was host of a
syndicated talk show called ''Captain Stubby's Special Delivery''. He also wrote for and performed on the national
Don McNeill's Breakfast Club from 1968 until 1971. ==Advertising==