Known as the “Dean of American Percussion Teachers,” Roy C. Knapp’s long tenure in Chicago dated from 1921. Roy Knapp (10/26/1891-6/16/79) became well known as a drummer, percussionist, and xylophone soloist, recording and working for the large radio stations.
Knapp was a longtime resident of Chicago’s Near North Side. He was born on Oct. 26, 1891, in Waterloo, Iowa, where his father operated the town’s first movie theater.
His father was a violinist, and from his earliest days Knapp was taught to play the violin. Then he broke his left arm in such a way that, even after it healed, it was impossible for him to finger the strings of the violin.
So he took up the trumpet. His father wanted Knapp to be a farmer, and several times Knapp was put on a farm to learn agriculture. But Knapp’s real ambition was to become a professional baseball player and he spent most of his spare time in the sandlots slugging balls. Multiple injuries curtailed that dream.
Knapp could play several musical instruments and when the drummer for the theater’s orchestra became ill, Knapp filled in for him. The experience inspired him to pursue music as a career.
The young stickman moved to Chicago in his twenties, becoming a sought-after studio musician skilled as a drummer, percussionist and xylophone soloist.
From 1928-1950, he was on the staff of station WLS, playing such shows as The National Barn Dance and the Breakfast Club.
In 1938, Knapp and his wife opened the Roy C. Knapp School of Percussion (509 S. Wabash) in Chicago. Ads proclaimed the Knapp school of music as “the cradle of celebrated drummers,” offering students tutelage in the skills needed to join a “top flight” radio, television, theater or concert orchestra. The school received college accreditation in 1946, allowing it to offer the B.M. degree and the Performer’s Certificate.
He became widely recognized as a teacher, and his roster of former students included Gene Krupa, Louie Bellson, Dave Tough, Baby Dodds and Bobby Christian. Knapp retired from playing in 1960, but continued teaching, running his school and his own drum shop until 1966, when he accepted Maurie Lishon’s invitation to teach at Franks Drum shop, where he continued until his death in 1979.
He has been inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.