Santy Runyon
Clinton "Santy" Runyon (July 4, 1907 – April 4, 2003) was an American saxophonist and flautist as well as a designer and manufacturer of mouthpieces for woodwind instruments.[1]
Runyon's career included, among other things, playing at Al Capone's speakeasy club, The Coliseum, and giving lessons to many musicians, including the likes of Charlie Parker. Runyon went on to become a significant force in the mouthpiece manufacturing industry.
Early career
Runyon began as a "trap" drummer in the pit of his father's movie house. He would play percussion and supply sound effects for the silent films. He also learned to play the marimba and the vibes and eventually found the instruments that would be the passion of his life: the woodwinds.
Runyon studied music at Oklahoma A&M and the University of Missouri[2] before hitting the road as a traveling musician. He played saxophone with the Benny Maroff, Johnny Green and Henry Busse bands. As a member of the Busse group, at age 25, Runyon created the jazz shuffle beat showcased in Busse's hit recording "Hot Lips".[citation needed]
In 1933, Runyon began an 11-year stint as lead flute player with the Chicago Theater Orchestra.[2] and on Saturday nights, he played The Coliseum, a speakeasy owned by the infamous gangland legend, "Scarface" Al Capone. At the Chicago Theater, he worked with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Edgar Bergen, Betty Grable and other show business notables. He even did a running comedy bit with Jack Benny. Between radio, clubs, and the theater, Runyon weathered the Great Depression pretty well, earning $150 a week while many men were taking home $8 or $9 a week.[citation needed]
Teaching
Santy Runyon and Frank Anglund, lead trumpet with the Chicago Theater Orchestra, opened the Runyon Studio. It became an important institution in propagating recent advances in
Mouthpiece and instrument designer and builder
In 1941 Runyon sold his first mouthpiece, a variation of a 1918 curved device he had fabricated with chewing gum. He made a metal saxophone mouthpiece for an Army band member, which resulted in an order for thousands of mouthpieces. A manufacturer refused the order and he began manufacturing mouthpieces in Chicago. Runyon's metal mouthpiece was sought for its exceptional dynamic range and projection, suitable for playing in big show bands. In the 1940s he was a consultant for the
References
- ^ Jazz Times
- ^ a b Runyon Products web site
- ^ eJazzNews.com
- ^ a b Wanne, Theo. "Mouthpiece material article by Theo Wanne, Part 2" (PDF). theowanne.com. Theo Wanne. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
- ^ "JodyJazz Story".