Saxophonist Boots Randolph, best known for his 1963 Top 40 instrumental hit “Yakety Sax,” was hospitalized in critical condition in Nashville on June 27, according to officials at Skyline Medical Center. Further information on the nature of his hospitalization was unavailable.
“Yakety Sax,” which later became the theme song for TV’s Benny Hill Show, was inspired by the sax solo in the Coasters’ R&B hit “Yakety Yak.” Following his brief flirtation with the hit record charts, Randolph became a top Nashville session musician, playing with Elvis Presley and many others.
Still active, he released a new album, #A Whole New Ballgame#, just last month-his first-ever jazz recording-and will be featured in the September issue of JazzTimes.
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