He was the leading light (alongside Neil Innes) the wonderful dadaist collective The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band then went on to do his own solo work. A wonderful genius, he was.
Here is one of my favourites, the opening from Crank.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvxidwyTVM
and reading The Sea on Innes Book of Records.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riIqZCfhLVY
Neil Innes is amazing as well. If you can, seek out Innes Book Of Records, a television show he did in the late 70s. It's one of the most bizarre and beautiful shows ever made- Neil Innes music set to little videos with some poetry and stuff from people like John Betjemin, Jake Thackery and John Cooper Clarke.
My Proudest Moment(s) were Innes-related. Interviewing him for Kettering was one of the best experiences ever and so was watching The Rutles on their last tour at the 100 Club. I got a big kiss and he gave me his plectrum! I was nineteen years old at the time (only two years ago!) and in love. I got a poster signed by him and John Halsey and kiss it like a besotted groupie.
One of the reasons I actually moved to this area of London was that Vivian Stanshall lived nearby. That makes me pathetic but the Bonzos get me through the day.
