Imagine stepping into the grandeur of the Fabulous Fox Theatre and hearing the triumphant echoes of its mighty Wurlitzer organ. It’s easy to picture Stan Kann seated there, his fingers flying across the keys, effortlessly charming an audience as he always did. In December, that iconic sound will come to life again, celebrating the man whose love affair with the Fox’s organ—and his unique eccentricities—made him a St. Louis legend.
A legendary life rooted in music and humor
Born on Dec. 9, 1924 in St. Louis, Kann lived an extraordinary life. A musical prodigy who took to the piano as a young student at Soldan High School, Kann eventually earned a degree in classical organ from Washington University. But his heart—and his humor—always gravitated toward the stage. It was at the Fox Theatre where he truly made his mark, sitting proudly at the Wurlitzer from 1953 to 1975. During this time, he thrilled movie-goers with live accompaniments to silent classics like “The Phantom of the Opera” and built a national reputation.
From St. Louis to Hollywood and back again
Kann had a knack for the unexpected, and his quirky hobby of collecting antique vacuum cleaners—yes, you read that right—led to fame on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
Following Kann’s passing in 2008, St. Louis Jewish Light Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Robert Cohn reflected on his Kann: ‘Beginning in 1966, his hilariously unpredictable vacuum demonstrations turned him into a beloved, albeit unlikely, television personality. He made 77 appearances on Carson’s show, never failing to delight viewers as his gadgets inevitably refused to cooperate.’
Celebrating 100 years of Stan Kann’s magic
To honor what would have been Kann’s 100th birthday, the Fox Theatre will hold a free, 30-minute organ concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m., featuring Gerry Marian and Mark Gifford. Marian, who served as Kann’s assistant for a decade, promises to bring the spirit of his mentor back to life. Following the concert, attendees can enjoy a guided tour of the Fox, which will include a stop at the fourth-floor exhibit dedicated to Kann’s legacy. A slide show will also provide a deeper glimpse into the life of this fascinating and multifaceted man.
Kann may have moved to Los Angeles in 1975 and later returned to his beloved hometown in 1998, but his legacy remains firmly rooted in the St. Louis community. As an unforgettable figure of the Fox Theatre, his impact and the joy he brought to audiences endure, echoing in every note played on the mighty Wurlitzer.
Commemorating Legendary Organist Stan Kann’s 100th Birthday
When: December 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m
Where:The Fabulous Fox, 527 N. Grand Blvd
Ticket Info: Free tickets for this event will be available starting Friday, November 8 at 10:00 a.m. by calling (314) 534-1111, online at fabulousfox.com or in person at the box office – check the website for hours of operation. A maximum of 10 tickets will be allowed per transaction to ensure broad participation.
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