Clair Van Lynden

Clair Van Lynden (1885–1947) was an American 20th century composer of novelty and popular songs during the latter half of the Ragtime era. ‘Clair Van Lynden’ was the nom-de-plume of music publisher, Lynden St. Clair Buchanan, co-founder of the “Buck & Lowney Music Publishing Company” of St. Louis, Missouri. Early life Lynden St. Clair Buchanan was born on March 2, 1885 in Peoria, Illinois to William H.S. and Lydia A. Buchanan. Little is known about Buchanan’s upbringing, or early musical training. His Father, William, was an express messenger in the 19th century. Buchanan can be found living in the city of St. Louis by 1906, listed as a piano teacher. Buck & Lowney The founding of music publisher “Buck & Lowney” can be traced to the early 1910s, during which time Lynden Buchanan was residing at 1335 Aubert Avenue in St. Louis. Benjamin Lowney was general manager and co-founder with Lynden. By 1916, Buchanan had adopted the professional name, Lynden S. Buck. “Buck & Lowney” would become a Midwest competitor to music publishers from New York City and elsewhere by the mid-1910s. This firm would debut new songs by contracting with travelling theatrical singers and European vocalists, a