Boots Randolph, ‘Yakety Sax’ Man, Dies At 80

By I Jul. 6, 2007

Saxophonist Boots Randolph, whose 1963 hit “Yakety Sax” sprouted a successful session career, died Tuesday at 80 years of age. He was taken off a respirator after a June 25 cerebral hemorrage had put him in a coma.

Randolph played on many hits as a session man, including Elvis Presley’s “Return To Sender,” Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” But his biggest solo effort was “Yakety Sax,” a tune that later became the theme song for the TV’s “Benny Hill Show.”

Following decades of session and club dates in Nashville, Tenn., and dozens of tours, Randolph released an album of jazz standards just last month.

Homer Louis Randolph is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dee Randolph; a son, Randy Randolph; and daughter, Linda O’Neal, all of Nashville; and four grandchildren.