Leon Redbone was an enigmatic figure in the world of music known for his deep, gravelly voice and his mastery of bygone eras’ sounds. With a stage persona shrouded in mystery, he often appeared in Panama hats, dark sunglasses, and a black tie, evoking the vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley eras he cherished. Born on August 26, 1949, Redbone's birth name and origins were subjects he deliberately left ambiguous, fostering a sense of timeless intrigue around his character.

Redbone's career began in earnest during the mid-1970s, though his rise in popularity is often attributed to Bob Dylan highlighting his performance at the Mariposa Folk Festival in Ontario in 1972. His distinctive style—a mélange of jazz, blues, and ragtime—resonated with audiences longing for the nostalgic tunes of the early 20th century. Leon Redbone consistently celebrated music from the past throughout his albums, such as "On the Track" (1975), "Sugar" (1990), and "Up a Lazy River" (1992). He managed to forge a career with a devoted fan base, punctuated by appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." His music often featured in film and television, and he lent his voice to Leon the Snowman in the modern Christmas classic "Elf." Sadly, Leon Redbone retired from performing in 2015 due to health concerns and passed away on May 30, 2019, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved revivalist and custodian of classic American music.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Related Artists

Tom Waits

Randy Newman

Bob Dylan

Dr. John

Django Reinhardt

Ry Cooder

Van Morrison

Willie Nelson

Louis Armstrong

Nina Simone

Ella Fitzgerald

Billie Holiday

Latest Release

Lazybones

Leon Redbone

Album - 25 Tracks - Released March 13, 2020