Leon Redbone was the musical equivalent of a flying saucer. You could see him, but nobody really knew where he was from, or had any details about him. He was fascinating and mysterious, all at the same time. Everyone was amazed, but everyone was mystified. Possibly the last "original" musician we will ever have. Whoever you really were sir, I salute you.
My first impression of him and a lasting one might I add, was he sounded like an old black singer with no teeth. However, I loved his uniqueness and will miss not only him but the old time sound of his band. They were truly one of a kind. RIP
I enjoyed your comment. Straight to the point. Another artist that was also unique was Jim Croce. Sadly, he left us too early. I guess they needed him upstairs.
@@lawrencegenereux8567 ... Those of us that remember those 2 are very fortunate. We can only thank TH-cam and musical recordings to cherish their memories. Truly those 2 are one of a kind. The mold was broken. Lets hope that someone similar will rise up from the ashes. May they RIP both of them.
I saw him at a live concert years ago in a small venue. He was a virtuoso guitarist and he just lazily crooned a bunch of old American songbook hits to a mesmerized audience. I first saw him I think it was in 1975 the first year of Saturday Night Live. He might've been the musical guest on their first show. I remember being fascinated by him and I was only 12 at the time. I'd never seen anyone like him and I've never seen anyone like him since then. A true original.
We saw him open for George Carlin. He was sitting on a chair in front of a large sheet like thing that silhouetted a bass player behind it. Like you say he just sang old songs and it was fantastic! (George Carlin was hilarious.)
@@hankdagmar2167 “It is with heavy hearts we announce that early this morning, May 30th, 2019, Leon Redbone crossed the delta for that beautiful shore at the age of 127,” it read. “He departed our world with his guitar, his trusty companion Rover, and a simple tip of his hat. He’s interested to see what Blind Blake, Emmett, and Jelly Roll have been up to in his absence, and has plans for a rousing sing along number with Sári Barabás." variety.com/2019/music/news/singer-leon-redbone-dies-at-69-1203229012/
I dig this guy. I first saw him perform on Saturday Night Live and was mesmerized without really knowing why. The voice, the hat, the glasses, the pose... way too cool.
I’m a classical music guy, but Leon Redbone hit all the musical buttons for me. My favourite Christmas album is and always be his Christmas Island. A great artist who was a gift to us all.
Excellent albums, was great live show 1976. Leon and Tuba only, Leon hummed all the other instruments. Sadly Leon has left us, but he left us with decades of unique music and performances.
Saw him at Oregon State University with my future wife in 1975. Bought his album that night and still have it. Only a handful of people were there so it was like he was singing to us personally.
I was lucky enough, in 1983, to get to party with the dude at Bethany College in WV. He was such a smooth, cool dude, to want to party with a bunch of teenagers.
I'm ashamed to say that this 71 yr old in UK has only tonight discovered him by chance from a TH-cam mixed playlist....lovely relaxed style and sad to read he passed away far too young at 69. I gotta lotta listnin' to do and lookin' forward to it 😎
I first heard this wonderful mans music in Montreal ... an old boy called Benoit sat in his loft, chain smoking at his huge table listening to Leon Redbone on loop...Whenever we went to visit, Leon was playing and Benoit was sat at his table. Such a vivid beautiful memory. I cant ever listen to it now without seeing Benoit sat at his table :) Lord thank the wonderful musicians of this world, Leon is up there with the best
Legend..Absolutely love this guy. Used to play at Seville Quarter in Pensacola Florida. I was 9 then. Would hang at the restaurant after school cause my dad was the Manager, I think, or one of the managers, not sure, Seville Quarter was huge. The Tokens, Swinging Medallions, Leon. They used to eat holiday meals at our house. Legends. We were blessed to have known them all. And boy Leon at a table of people..Ha, thats fun. Same as he was on stage. So much love and respect to Leon! You influenced my world man. Shine on brother.
Leon Redbone is fantastic. I saw with him with my dad in the late 70s and it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. He was funny, and so musical, and so cool! He had a backup band of tuba, banjo, violin, clarinet and a small trap drum set and it was blowaway. They don't make 'em like Leon anymore!
I had the pleasure and honor of seeing him numerous times at the State University of New York at Buffalo....where we showered love on him. and he kept coming back! this was in the early 70's. he was timeless then and still is. Flow on wherever you are, dear man!
I always loved listening to Leon Redbone. The old songs he played were the same stuff that my grandparents played on the old victrola they had and my gramaw.played on the piano with my grampaw on either guitar or harmonica. Influenced me with my harmonica and ukulele playing.
I learned about Leon because of the looney tunes that used him for the singing frog. Had to find this voice! Blown away the first time seeing him.. Not what I imagined! So perfect now!
'Love this man. Apparently, he has retired, but I was lucky to see him three times. He signed a CD for my Mom (85) and drew a martini with olive beside his signature! How did he know that was Mom's favourite cocktail? A unique man, with a unique sense of humour, who stayed firmly in the 1920's and 30's and we're glad he did.
I was privileged enough to see you play live three times Leon and believe me sir, so are sadly missed. I know you and God are singing Harvest Moon and Diddy Wa Diddy all the time. Blessings from Kansas!
I didn't know that Leon Redbone died! Leon the world is a lot sadder place with your passing. I remember purchasing your great album "Double Time" on 8-Track Tape Cartridge during my college years and the very first song I ever heard you do was "Shine On Harvest Moon" from that album. When I heard you sing that song on TV, I went out and purchased the "Double Time" album. You helped to keep alive the great, classic Tin Pan Alley songs of an earlier era in music history. Your wonderful contribution to the world of music will never be forgotten. RIP Leon Redbone. 😢
We caught Leon Redbone at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, mid 90s. We dropped a few bourbon shots at a bar across the street first, and settled in to a great, unforgettable concert. Redbone was a one off.
A private man and unique entertainer. Thanks to his recordings and TH-cam his music won't be forgotten by those of us who appreciated his talents for more than 40 years. REST PEACEFULLY, Leon.
Got the feeling to listen to this beautiful song again in several years and just realize that he isn't with us anymore. Rest in peace, Leon; and shine on!
The man had style! It may not have been to the taste of the crowd but it was much appreciated by people who cared about music. RIP, but you will I’ve on.
RIP, Leon Redbone aka call yourself anything that suits your fancy. This soulful musician introduced me to the glorious idea that musicians do not have to give a darn about being entertainers. Behave yourselves and goodnight.
Such a unique and talented performer. The night my husband proposed we had just been to a John Prine concert where Leon Redbone opened for him. It was a fantastic concert.
Have seen him live in concert twice. This guy's a piece of work for sure. First time was in a small club, he was literally right in front of us. Second was at Bethel Woods, the old 69 Woodstock Rock Concert location. Indoors, cool, but not up close. If you ever get the chance, don't miss him.
Leon Redbone was the musical equivalent of a flying saucer. You could see him, but nobody really knew where he was from, or had any details about him. He was fascinating and mysterious, all at the same time. Everyone was amazed, but everyone was mystified. Possibly the last "original" musician we will ever have. Whoever you really were sir, I salute you.
My first impression of him and a lasting one might I add, was he sounded like an old black singer with no teeth. However, I loved his uniqueness and will miss not only him but the old time sound of his band. They were truly one of a kind.
RIP
I enjoyed your comment. Straight to the point.
Another artist that was also unique was Jim Croce. Sadly, he left us too early. I guess they needed him upstairs.
@@sfopaladin2661 I always enjoyed and admired Jim Croce. We were blessed to have artists like Jim and Leon.
@@lawrencegenereux8567 ... Those of us that remember those 2 are very fortunate. We can only thank TH-cam and musical recordings to cherish their memories. Truly those 2 are one of a kind. The mold was broken. Lets hope that someone similar will rise up from the ashes.
May they RIP both of them.
@@sfopaladin2661 Agreed 100%.
I saw him at a live concert years ago in a small venue. He was a virtuoso guitarist and he just lazily crooned a bunch of old American songbook hits to a mesmerized audience. I first saw him I think it was in 1975 the first year of Saturday Night Live. He might've been the musical guest on their first show. I remember being fascinated by him and I was only 12 at the time. I'd never seen anyone like him and I've never seen anyone like him since then. A true original.
One of a kind , I remember him fondly ❤ 😊
Wow, you told my story! Saw him as well on SNL!
Great,musician ,singer,gets down to your soul!I am 75,and saw him,back in the 70s,Unbelievable!
We saw him open for George Carlin. He was sitting on a chair in front of a large sheet like thing that silhouetted a bass player behind it. Like you say he just sang old songs and it was fantastic! (George Carlin was hilarious.)
Not the first SNL, that was Billy Preston, but one of the first. He was great!
Leon was an incredible talent, us old timers miss you Leon Redbone
Me too, and so do my younger brothers.
And us young timers also....🐐
One of the coolest guys ever. Didn't pander to the tasteless and brainless public. Played great and timeless music. RIP pal.
First heard him in the tonight show and have been a fan ever since. RIP Leon
Except for that tasteless and brainless sitcom theme song he did. But other than that, I'm sure he didn't pander at all.
Well said
He really was a legend! His music was unique, and fantastic! sorry.. 😁
❤️🌷 Possa riposare nella Pace del Buon Dio 🧡
No other musician ever came close to his unique voice and style. I still love it in 2020.
Don Williams
I find myself singing Big Time Woman to myself when working.... Had the pleasure of seeing him perform in person. Unforgettable!
Still loving it in 2023!!
I also still miss it in ‘23
and in 2024
Leon....you were a great and unique talent...you will be missed.
R.I.P, Leon. You went out as you lived, with wit and style.
How do you die with wit and style?
@@hankdagmar2167 You live 'til you're 127.
@@hankdagmar2167
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that early this morning, May 30th, 2019, Leon Redbone crossed the delta for that beautiful shore at the age of 127,” it read. “He departed our world with his guitar, his trusty companion Rover, and a simple tip of his hat. He’s interested to see what Blind Blake, Emmett, and Jelly Roll have been up to in his absence, and has plans for a rousing sing along number with Sári Barabás."
variety.com/2019/music/news/singer-leon-redbone-dies-at-69-1203229012/
@@gluce Where are you idiots getting 127 from?
@@hankdagmar2167 How old was your sense of humour when it passed away? We mourn for the loss... RIP.
One of the last true gentleman performers with a great gravely voice. Sounds like mint juleps and sunny afternoons. He’ll be missed. ❤️😢✌️
RiP Leon Redbone have listened to you for years and will until we meet on the other side
What gravel? Gravel implies a natural roughness. His voice is smooth like butter!
He was majorly influenced by Mississippi John hurr
@@theherbpuffer
And Bing Crosby. No, really.
Leon Redbone is cooler than a cucumber in April .
I dig this guy. I first saw him perform on Saturday Night Live and was mesmerized without really knowing why. The voice, the hat, the glasses, the pose... way too cool.
I remember that- Did the same for me.. Smoothly jamming with amazing ease.
Same here.
Such style and of course, class! One of a kind for sure. 🌛🌝🌜
Saw him in Santa Cruz about 30 years ago ('78 or '79) with Tom Waits. Magic night even for Santa Cruz back then!
@@harydogers8929 How could it not be? Two giants!
I’m a classical music guy, but Leon Redbone hit all the musical buttons for me. My favourite Christmas album is and always be his Christmas Island. A great artist who was a gift to us all.
Excellent albums, was great live show 1976. Leon and Tuba only, Leon hummed all the other instruments.
Sadly Leon has left us, but he left us with decades of unique music and performances.
Shine on. Thank you for the music and Rest In Peace.
He is the best.
This is who I want to be when I grow up.
RIP Leon, you expanded my musical world as a teenager and I loved you ever since 💔
Merri Miles I first saw him opening for John Prine in 1973. He was something special from the start.
First saw him on SNL in the '70's. Been a fan ever since.
Saw him at Oregon State University with my future wife in 1975. Bought his album that night and still have it. Only a handful of people were there so it was like he was singing to us personally.
I was lucky enough, in 1983, to get to party with the dude at Bethany College in WV. He was such a smooth, cool dude, to want to party with a bunch of teenagers.
Yes. Same here.❤
Leon Redbone was the coolest most laidback musician ever. Love his music!!
Heaven just got a lot cooler. RIP
true
You ain't lying friend
How so?
@@ST-xg3gy Leon redbone passed a couple years ago
I discovered Leon in the sixties,not tired of him yet. RIP Leon, I know you brought your walking stick along.😎
Aren't we lucky to be living in this age where we can dial up his music anytime and anyplace?
I'm ashamed to say that this 71 yr old in UK has only tonight discovered him by chance from a TH-cam mixed playlist....lovely relaxed style and sad to read he passed away far too young at 69. I gotta lotta listnin' to do and lookin' forward to it 😎
I first heard this wonderful mans music in Montreal ... an old boy called Benoit sat in his loft, chain smoking at his huge table listening to Leon Redbone on loop...Whenever we went to visit, Leon was playing and Benoit was sat at his table. Such a vivid beautiful memory. I cant ever listen to it now without seeing Benoit sat at his table :) Lord thank the wonderful musicians of this world, Leon is up there with the best
Yeah so true, Jen hope you doing good….?
Legend..Absolutely love this guy. Used to play at Seville Quarter in Pensacola Florida. I was 9 then. Would hang at the restaurant after school cause my dad was the Manager, I think, or one of the managers, not sure, Seville Quarter was huge. The Tokens, Swinging Medallions, Leon. They used to eat holiday meals at our house. Legends. We were blessed to have known them all. And boy Leon at a table of people..Ha, thats fun. Same as he was on stage. So much love and respect to Leon! You influenced my world man. Shine on brother.
Wow! That's soo cool! X sorry for your loss x
RickMilano about what year? I'm from Fort Walton Beach
RickMilano I love Leon Redbone, sad to lose him. And Dr John in the same week :-(
Seville is a cool place! Thanks for some history I didn't know about it. I love Pensacola.
This is where I saw him perform - great, class act and so uniquely Leon
Loved this man’s music for many many many years! He is priceless!
Me too
30th May 2019 - thank you Leon. I hope you were met by those you love on the otherside.
so well said Heather
This guy always sounds as if he has been transported from another era, and how delightful that his music takes us right along!!!
I love this man. You are so right and I fully agree.
Ron
I like how he uses very little expression when he sings, unlike the way todays artists sing.
Most singers make funny faces because they have to go to the bathroom.
Rest In Peace sir, your voice was one of a kind.
Like the muted trumpet also.
Saw him in a small church venue accompanied by a pianist absolutely loved it sits in my memory so well.
No one cooler than Leon God bless Leon and everyone
Redbone equaled cool, rhythms of Chicago, and the beautiful baritone voice that he had. Nice sunglasses too.
I really miss Leon and his coolness wonderful voice. He was one of the coolest. Never be another like Leon Redbone…
the coolest guy ever
by far
I never heard about him in all of my 79 years … but, WOW‼️
What an original!We were so lucky to have him while we did.
What a voice. There's never been another singer like him and I daresay there won't be again.
Look at how at ease he is. Just effortlessly picking the strings. He really does look like he can do this just as well in his sleep.
Leon Redbone is fantastic. I saw with him with my dad in the late 70s and it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. He was funny, and so musical, and so cool! He had a backup band of tuba, banjo, violin, clarinet and a small trap drum set and it was blowaway. They don't make 'em like Leon anymore!
Two of the coolest guys to ever hit the stage; Leon Redbone and Dr. John
I had the pleasure and honor of seeing him numerous times at the State University of New York at Buffalo....where we showered love on him. and he kept coming back! this was in the early 70's. he was timeless then and still is. Flow on wherever you are, dear man!
Weird how we may never have heard of him had his parents not been forcefully displaced by the illegitimate state of "israel" in 1948.
Such unique, cool, classy singer😉
This man was simply a miracle in the guitar flesh.
I always loved listening to Leon Redbone. The old songs he played were the same stuff that my grandparents played on the old victrola they had and my gramaw.played on the piano with my grampaw on either guitar or harmonica. Influenced me with my harmonica and ukulele playing.
I learned about Leon because of the looney tunes that used him for the singing frog. Had to find this voice! Blown away the first time seeing him.. Not what I imagined! So perfect now!
'Love this man. Apparently, he has retired, but I was lucky to see him three times. He signed a CD for my Mom (85) and drew a martini with olive beside his signature! How did he know that was Mom's favourite cocktail? A unique man, with a unique sense of humour, who stayed firmly in the 1920's and 30's and we're glad he did.
The bee's knees indeed.
He did the same for me when I saw him at the Sellersville Theater
I was privileged enough to see you play live three times Leon and believe me sir, so are sadly missed. I know you and God are singing Harvest Moon and Diddy Wa Diddy all the time. Blessings from Kansas!
He,could hold a audience in a Trance!Who,else could do that!!!!!
Ah, Leon was great. Saw him four or five times, starting with a '82 show in Columbus, Ohio. RIP to the Crooner.
- Leon is a time traveller and brings us with him on a magic trip to the roaring 20's
I always thought maybe he was found stored in an old Lady's attic in a house in New Orleans.
Love Leon.
Yes!!
So sad to hear of his passing yesterday. A unique voice and quite the character. R.I.P. Leon. Shine on up above.
Yeah may his soul rest in perfect peace, and Paulle hope you doing good…..!?
one of the most unique individuals who ever lived, wow, what an interesting guy !!!, no one did it like Leon. love you man,....dave in NC:)
What a supremely original, talented man. So underrated. Rest well dear sir.
Everything about this man is classic. Love love love his music!
I didn't know that Leon Redbone died! Leon the world is a lot sadder place with your passing. I remember purchasing your great album "Double Time" on 8-Track Tape Cartridge during my college years and the very first song I ever heard you do was "Shine On Harvest Moon" from that album. When I heard you sing that song on TV, I went out and purchased the "Double Time" album. You helped to keep alive the great, classic Tin Pan Alley songs of an earlier era in music history. Your wonderful contribution to the world of music will never be forgotten. RIP Leon Redbone. 😢
We caught Leon Redbone at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, mid 90s. We dropped a few bourbon shots at a bar across the street first, and settled in to a great, unforgettable concert. Redbone was a one off.
Leon is one of the great ones. Let's make sure he is never forgotten! Too cool for words alone.
Yeah true saying, hope you doing good and staying safe…..?
RIP, Leon Redbone. One of the most unique and classiest acts of our time. We will not see your kind again :-(
There will never be anyone who brought back ragtime so eloquently. Leon Redbone, you will be missed.
He certainly is missed.
@@denicesanders4586 I am one of the few people I know that even know who he is.
Well said George.
@@joeg2964 Thank you I appreciate your compliment. I have his music on CD, so in effect he's still here.
The hat, glasses, nose and mustache are all one piece!
I remember someone (a young man!) telling me that the best show he ever saw was Leon Redbone.
R.I.P. Last of an era. Loss of one very unique individual. Thanks for the memories and music Leon!
Check out Pokey LaFarge for a next generation crooner.
Gotta love Leon......no one like him forever. He kept the style , of years past. Thank you Leon!
You would probably really like C W Stoneking, he's a wonderful blues singer that keeps the traditional style.
A private man and unique entertainer. Thanks to his recordings and TH-cam his music won't be forgotten by those of us who appreciated his talents for more than 40 years. REST PEACEFULLY, Leon.
RIP you old soul, what a truly amazing treasure to music
he truly was a gem
i don't think it CAN get cooler than mr. redbone!
RIP. A legend. Style, wit, charisma, talent.
RIP Leon. I bought one of his albums for my 75 year old Mother years ago. She loved it and would dance around to the music..
That’s nice of you, hope you doing good….?
Leon is save for the soul got to see him in concert alot. What a treat
One of a kind! I've never heard anyone like Leon. He has quite the range from low to high and I really like it.
Yeah that’s so true, hope you doing good…..?
Simply exquisite.
Got the feeling to listen to this beautiful song again in several years and just realize that he isn't with us anymore. Rest in peace, Leon; and shine on!
This artist was a real treasure!
This is America. Music from the twenties dance era. Truly the greatest.
The man had style! It may not have been to the taste of the crowd but it was much appreciated by people who cared about music. RIP, but you will I’ve on.
As always...Leon is the coolest guy in the room...wherever he goes
I love his music, everyone else was listening to rock, and he got me hooked on this great music.
By and large a lost art. Thank goodness for Leon. Superb
Memories get sweeter as the years pass.
RIP, Leon Redbone aka call yourself anything that suits your fancy. This soulful musician introduced me to the glorious idea that musicians do not have to give a darn about being entertainers. Behave yourselves and goodnight.
I first heard him sing 40 years ago. He was one of a kind. RIP.
RIP Leon. Your talent was highly underrated.
Oh yeah so true, hope you doing good and staying safe…..?
I am 62, I love turning 20 yrol to this stuff.
Oh same here, hope you doing good…..!
Losing a man like Leon Redbone is like losing a part of our culture lest we hang onto it. Pleasant journey Leon.
He single handedly save much old time music
Such a unique and talented performer. The night my husband proposed we had just been to a John Prine concert where Leon Redbone opened for him. It was a fantastic concert.
Two legends. What an amazing day that must have been.
I was introduced to him at the age of 10 by my cool uncle!
Miss you unc!
RIP Tio
RIP Leon. From the moment I heard you, when I was ten years old, I wanted to sound like you. Your music was truly beautiful.
Wow, he had such a laid back and unique style. My condolences to his family and other fans of his work.
Leon Redbone -the epitome of coolness.
RIP Mr. Redbone, you were an original.
What a unique talent......inventive, oddball in a wonderful way......rest in peace, Leon.
He was indeed one of a kind. Harvest moon is tomorrow night, Sept 28, 2023.
Thank you very much Leon. I love to walk the beach and sing with you. Muito gusto
Have seen him live in concert twice. This guy's a piece of work for sure. First time was in a small club, he was literally right in front of us. Second was at Bethel Woods, the old 69 Woodstock Rock Concert location. Indoors, cool, but not up close. If you ever get the chance, don't miss him.
This one was hard. God bless all those who grew up listening to greatness. Riest in peace. The Lord took you home so soon.
Great voice, music and talent. RIP Leon Redbone 💔
Such a great talent we lost he will be missed forever, Helen hope you doing good and how’s it where you are if I may ask???
RIP Leon Redbone 5/30/19....you're one of a kind, and we'll miss you.
Leon is a true gentleman artist
Robert Basile Sr if men dressed and acted like him the world would be a better place.
Left us much too soon, the man definitely had style.
There's cool, and then there's ultra cool Leon. Shine on and thank you for the music.
you just gotta love Leon; nobody has that distinctive voice.
Jack
Northwest Wildlife Online
Takes me back to the old 78 records when I was a kid. I love this style, an excellent copy of the singers of the 20's - 30's.
You may be gone Leon, but your voice still flows into my ears like a soft summer breeze. Truly a one of a kind performer.
I read a review some time ago, and his voice was described as sounding like a "drunkin' trombone." I love his sound.....thanx for posting this!
Omg! I have loved this guy since the 70's.
So same here, hope you doing good…..!?