Francis Joseph "Muggsy" Spanier (November 9, 1901 – February 12, 1967)[1] was an American jazz cornetist based in Chicago.

He was a member of the Bucktown Five, pioneers of the "Chicago style" that straddled traditional Dixieland jazz and swing.

[2] The band's members included George Brunies (later Brunis - trombone and vocals), Rod Cless (clarinet), George Zack or Joe Bushkin (piano), Ray McKinstry, Nick Ciazza or Bernie Billings (tenor sax), and Bob Casey (bass).

At the point of death, he was saved by Dr. Alton Ochsner who drained the fluid and eased his weakened breathing.

The pianist recalled, many years later: "When I finally joined Muggsy in Chicago (having left Bunny Berigan's failing big band) we met to talk it over at the Three Deuces, where Art Tatum was appearing."

Muggsy was now playing opposite Fats Waller at the Sherman hotel and we worked out a kind of stage show for the two bands.