Fox Organ | Living St. Louis

Living St. Louis producer Patrick Murphy takes a special tour of the Fox Theatre and meets Stan Kann, the talented musician behind the Wurlitzer Organ. Built especially for the theatre's grand opening in 1929, the organ has since been restored to accompany Broadway shows and musicals that come to the Fox stage.

[@furrypeanut1]

When I first saw this two years ago, I knew I had to see this organ and this theatre myself. Months later, I found myself at the console of this mighty organ. Months later, I was at it again. I can't express how thankful I am to the people that helped organize that for me. It has been such an experience. The theatre, the organ, and the city of St. Louis are all something I am glad to have seen (or played, too, I suppose). And to think, I'm only 15.

[@pilotusa]

I studied at St. Louis University in the early 1970s and the Fox was a few block from my dorm. At the time, crossing Lindell Blvd from the campus brought you into the "seedly" area which was the location of the Fox. But I did go to the theater to hear the organ and Stann Kann at the console for a matinee and was honored and delighted to meet him after his short performance. It was a really bad period for the place and the movie clientele sparse and scary! The Mr. Kann and the Mighty Wurlitzer were magnificent despite the surroundings.

[@turntablesrock]

I love hearing this organ.....I want to hear it AGAIN.

[@WBDE]

All too often we do not appreciate the people and things we have until we lose them. I grew up in St Louis and although I always enjoyed going to such places as the Fox Theatre and the Muni Opera, I never really appreciated what unique and special places they were until I relocated to Delaware and then to North Carolina, and they were not available any more. The Fox Theatre is a place that should be appreciated and cherished by St Louis as a truly special place, unique in what it offers.

[@alamedaOrgan]

"Small birds," Indeed! Pure Stan Kann
This snippet is classic Wurlitzer, Stan, and Fox.
Many congratulations to KETC and Patrick Murphy for bringing this important clip to St. Louis.

[@steverabb]

Very interesting piece. Thanks for posting.

[@stephenrichie4646]

Somewhere around 1970, I think, (may not have the date right) Our family saw the original 1927 Phantom of the Opera here, with Stan at the Wurlitzer. My oldest son was about 10; still remembers it.

[@gerrymarian1762]

You were right DEC 4; FRIDAY NIGHT : STAN GAVE A CONCERT BEFORE THE 1925 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

[@imdafarmergamerboy1650]

RIP Stan Kann the gadget man, lover of organs and vacuum sweepers