Boots Randolph, 1927-2007

July 10, 2007 8:34 AM

Boots Randolph has died. The Nashville saxophonist's signature was the hit Yakety Sax, better known to some as the Benny Hill Theme Song. Boots was one of the A-Team studio musicians who defined the Nashville Sound. He played with Elvis, recorded hundreds of albums both as backup and headliner, and never retired from performing. Listen to his music.
posted by Chinese Jet Pilot (13 comments total)

Saw him twice as a kid with my parents. He was touring with Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer. I recall that his playing seemed so effortless for him...
posted by mania at 8:48 AM on July 10, 2007

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posted by Faint of Butt at 8:58 AM on July 10, 2007

Why do I keep picturing people walking really, really fast at his funeral?

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posted by miss lynnster at 9:17 AM on July 10, 2007 [2 favorites]

A week old obit for a fpp?
posted by 2sheets at 9:32 AM on July 10, 2007

Maybe he died after finding out his song was used as the soundtrack for a prison killing of a pedophile priest
posted by destro at 9:51 AM on July 10, 2007

[Something like this miss lynnster?]

Guy had an interesting style. And I have to respect anyone who goes to his grave doing something he loved.
posted by quin at 10:14 AM on July 10, 2007

Courtesy of Robot Chicken, scenes from Benny Hill's funeral.
posted by CrunchyFrog at 11:17 AM on July 10, 2007

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posted by mike3k at 11:17 AM on July 10, 2007

Fantastic sax (and vibes) on all kinds of Elvis singles and B-sides: "A Mess of Blues," "His Latest Flame," "Return to Sender," "Such a Night," "Ain't That Loving You Baby," "I Feel So Bad," "She's Not You," etc., etc.

May he rest in peace.
posted by blucevalo at 11:45 AM on July 10, 2007

2sheets: As evidenced by this comment about another post, I seem to have a knack for missing obituaries.
posted by Chinese Jet Pilot at 12:14 PM on July 10, 2007

I heard him interviewed by the late evening DJ on the local Jazz/NPR station, only a few months ago. The interview was fascinating, but I didn't know whether to be impressed that our station had him on it, or sorry that such a good musician couldn't get a better venue than the late show in Salt Lake City.

He will be missed.
posted by rossmik at 3:13 PM on July 10, 2007

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posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:31 PM on July 10, 2007

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runs away from British policeman while chasing two scantily clad women
posted by jonp72 at 3:44 PM on July 10, 2007