Stan Kann Plays Meet me in St. Louis/Take Me Out....

[barf245]

Kann, a native of St. Louis, began playing the organ at age 4. He majored in classical organ at Washington University in St. Louis and became official house organist at the St. Louis Fox in 1952. Kann served as the theater's resident organist until 1974, four years before the Fox closed. Kann also played the organ in the St. Louis restaurant owned by Stan Musial

[rbrhrbr]

Stanley was one of a kind. He was making that organ sing, when by any outside measure, it might otherwise have been silenced and junked or parted out. He inspired the saviors of the Fox by simaltaneously applying his meticulous musicianship and instincts of a showman.

[dacatholicbandorgan]

I went to one of his concerts at the El Capitan and I loved it..

[Marshall7302]

when was this taken?

[mollerman3]

Hi- I am Mike Mount and live in Martin, TN. where I have ten theater pipe organs in storage and one installed in my home. I am in Sikeston often. Pleae contact me. Thanks.

[ultimatehineswardfan]

the wurlitzer is beautiful. at 0:38, it sounds like a choir of angels singing.

[KellyForte]

I agree with you, ultimatehineswardfan. I wish I had a sound like this to use in my music.

[ultimatehineswardfan]

unless maybe that wasnt the organ. maybe it was just people singing, idk.

[zac613]

@ultimatehineswardfan Maybe it was the ghosts that are at the Fox Theatre? St. Louis was a beautiful place during the 1904 worlds fair and it's sad that only 2 or 3 buildings from the worlds fair still exist. R.I.P Stan there will naver be a person who could make that organ sing like u would make it sing!

[Streetcar1743]

I miss him very well. St. Louis has really lost another historic icon.

[KirbyDual80]

Yes, you certainly will be missed. A very wonderful and talented man, a very kind hearted soul. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

[Yaledmot]

R.I.P Stan 9-29-08. You were a kick to work with and a fun musician

tld

[GS195]

That is really beautiful ambient sound that Wurlitzer makes.

[ksbear2]

I went to school in St. Louis and one summer was working just down the street from the Fox. The doorman let me in free every day so I could her Stan play. What a wonderful summer that was for me!

[volvo945]

There are several university music schools with Organ Performance majors. From what I've seen they are geared towards classical and liturgical music. I hope they give some exposure and training to theatre organ as well.

[erniehaysfan08]

yes I am 30 and play a large Theatre organ where i live in Sikeston Missouri just south of St. Louis where this particular organ is located. I have been playing since the age of 10 and now have my 2 of 3 children interested. I vow to keep theatre organ alive and well!!

[ncguy27713]

One question for my fellow organ fans. Is there anyone that can play these organs that are younger and can carry on the tradition?  Just wondering if it's a lost art. I certainly hope not. I'm 43 and I recall sweet memories of parents and myself going to Radio City Music Hall in NYC and enjoying that organ. If I could do it all over again with them I most definately would. Those were the days.

[Dojora4]

There are quite a few younger Artists. I was priviliged enough to play this organ in April and I'm only 19. At the American Theatre Organ Society's first youth camp last summer 20 or so kids attended and the youngest organist was 10 years old!

[rhbookout]

I had the pleasure of hearing Stan in concert in Fort Wayne Indiana a few years ago...and yes there is an awesome theater organ there...it was a marvelous performance. I am glad there are those who still love the grand old organs!

[steverabb]

It's so neat to see a real organ MASTER on YouTube. Really appreciate it! Thanks for posting!!

[Ken757545]

Thanks so much for this video! I took a tour of the Fox in St. Louis and got to meet and see Stan Kann play. He's incredible on the organ, as well as an amazing individual.

[Organgrinder010]

Beautiful console! That organ is definitely one of Wurlitzer's finest. I always enjoyed Stan's style.

[Monarchmigration]

Thank you for posting these two legends: Stan Kann and the Fox Wurlitzer in St. Louis.