Leon Redbone's anachronistic stage persona often seemed to eclipse his exceptional musicianship. Behind the quirky style, he was a serious craftsman and a gifted artist. His art was a gift to us all. I hope he's found his own Blue Heaven.
I first heard of Leon as a Kid watching Mr Belvedere...Leon did the theme song brilliantly. What an interesting guy he was. Amazing to me that he was raised in Greece or Armenia, ( I think to this day still much is not known about his background) then emigrated to Canada yet had this accent that sounds like he was from New Orleans. I know it was part of his character..very interesting guy & the epitome of cool
@@LisaMitchellGD He never broke character. He played at a club where I was doing video, and he was in character during the soundcheck. He visited the library in Kansas City to research old newspapers to find when a particular performer of the 1920s had played a theater in town... And he was in character talking to my friend in the microfilm department. My friend said to him "Pardon me for being forward sir, but you look familiar" to which Leon replied in a growl "The name's Redbone." My friend showed him the filing system and how to work the machines and helped him find the information he was looking for. If he hadn't been struck down by a terrible disease, he probably would have written a wonderful history of American music of the late 19th and very early 20th century.
Sorry to hear he is gone. He is one player that got me into Ragtime playing. It was nice he carried on the tradition. Not many left. A bygone era that lasted only a few years and mainly forgotten. Bless You Leon RIP
He used to come in shopping at the Acme supermarket where I worked in Doylestown, PA in the early 80s. Yes, and he always dressed in the wide-brimmed Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and white suit! He wasn't trying to be incognito. What a character! RIP Mr. Redbone.
He was Retro before that was even a term! Like from another Era! He went way back pre-Beatles, pre-Elvis and pre-everybody to the twenties and thirties songs and outplayed every hipster ever! A Cool Dude from the Past! From a Bygone Era! And he did great versions of those standard songs and he was a fine guitar picker! He will be missed! One of a Kind! RIP Leon Redbone
I'm curious! As I heard this tune for the first time just now and thought he must be after Elvis with the sound, tho you say pre Elvis!? I'd like to know who did the voice first! This man Leon seems awesome! I'm in love 🙏😍💙💜💛😍🙏
@@wsullivan5395 To say there were none like Leon might be a mistake....Consider Tiny Tim and his career reviving ancient music (1900- 1930s) as being parallel to Leon...There are/were no others who dedicated their successful careers to the revival of the music of that early pre radio times...Oh, of course you are referring to the folk music produced by "Family Bands" and singer-songwriters, but we are talking about "the Best"...That's Leon Redbone
Saw him twice in small , real small concerts in Up-State NY . He put on a real good show, enjoy his style, nothing else like it. In these small clubs you're within a few feet of him singing and playing. Got to shake his hand and thank him. .
Members in New O, sipping on whiskey shots, chasing with coldazz beer, listening to him, and a small horn section. Got so comfy, I asked to move in. They said "SURE"!.....then they told me what rent would be. Nope. Not paying THAT! Besides, I only had 2 more days of leave. After that it's AWOL. But I stayed until Redbone was done!! Seeing him here.....finding out he's passed.....makes ya feel old, and quite sad actually. If this world needs more of, it's MORE Redbones. Not less. The planet is a little sadder place now. Be seeing ya before long Mistah Redbone. Heavens done called another blues player back home.
Glad to have had the privilege to see Leon a few times. As the saying goes, "Each show different." Brilliant and he loved the music. Let's keep talking about him even though he's gone.
I first saw Leon busking in Toronto around 1969-70 (?) He frequented a small subway access tunnel to the Bloor St. station. He was clearly only in his 20's but he sounded like he was much older and worldy-wise. Somebody described his music as 'actually containing the scratchy surface noise of an old 78....'. Sometimes he could be seen in the ZUMburger at Yonge and Bloor. In the 70's he began to play Toronto coffee houses like the Riverboat and Canada's most influential folk festival, Mariposa. I sought out and enjoyed many of his performances in the Toronto area. So did Bob Dylan, among others.... At some point he left Toronto for the USA and the next time I saw hm was on Saturday Night Live in '75. I recall whooping with delight in front of the University dorm room TV set to the complete mystification of my floor-mates. "On the Tracks" came out the same year and I devoured that album both as a listener and as a young singer/guitarist. Learned every song. And I can still do them all, too!! I was lucky enough to see Leon one last time at Hugh's Room in Toronto about 4 years ago. I believe it was his last tour...... People bandy about the word 'unique' mostly undeservedly when speaking of a lot of musicians. But Leon's picture is in the dictionary for the word.... I've got all his music on playlist now.... I have a gig next week and I'll be playing some Leon for the people.... I'm sad but his artistry makes me smile right through.........
I was at that Hugh's room concert never heard of him before that . I cant honestly say I enjoyed every song . The piano player that night was excellent. RIP Leon .
There was such an air of mystery about him. I imaged that in real life he was an MD who performed as a release from a pressure filled life to find a little peace and joy before he faded back into the real world until he appeared almost magically again. I almost wish that had been the case. But, thankfully he appeared frequently and his music brought so much joy. Rest In Peace, kind sir.
I remember the first time Leon was on SNL, everybody thought it was Elliot Gould in disguise. My Uncle Rodger was way ahead of the rest of us since he had 8-tracks of his album. What a brave and noble soul Leon Redbone was. You are still and will always be on my playlists..God Speed!
@@emmpedno2161 "If you can't say anything real nice, it's better not to talk at all, that's my advice . . . " So that means it's OK to talk about him, since everything we say is "real nice!"
I saw Leon play live just once, a free concert in a large Park in the early 1980s or there abouts. Unfortunately, I was sick as a dog with a really bad cold and I decided to self-medicate with a bottle of BlackBerry Brandy, so I don't remember very much about the show. I do own Leon's LP Double-Time, which I got completely by accident because I bought Little Feat's "Last Record Album" and when I slit open the shrink wrap, the record inside wasn't actually by Little Feat but instead it was Leon Redbone!
Saw Leon around 1974 at a coffee house in the Hudson Valley. He seemed like he was 30 years older than me, yet he was only a few. A true original, who never sold out....
This man had highlight's of his gig "Leon growing, exploring, experimenting in his own way. Developing a style of vocal delivery to match his tremendous song writing abilities and delivery style that entertained generations for decades, and so much more!
Sorry Leon you are gone and we are talking about you. The first time I heard Leon's music was back in the 70s. I used to hang out at Pizza Hut as a teen. Seduced was played at least once a night on the juke. Been in love with his music ever since. You are indeed one cool cat Leon. You will be missed.
Fond memories regarding Mr Redbone from the first time I watched him preform on PBS in the mid 1970s to seeing him later in Kitchener at the BluesFest and attending a concert in Hamilton the next day with my wife and kids. I used to sing bedtime lullabies to my children imitating his style. You brought us much joy and mirth. RIP
Delicious smell of a bygone era, the wonderful taste of a laid back ragtime picking. Thank you, Mr. Redbone, for your peaceful talent... You brought so much ease and relief to us. Just hoping you'll trace J.J. Cale, Franck Stokes ,and Bob Brozman for a jam, somewhere, waiting for Paolo Conte to join the band, someday (as late as possible)...
If we do talk about you, it will be nothing but good Leon. Thank you for entertaining us in your unique way. Rest in peace Redbone, but keep on playing that guitar and singing those tunes when you can 😉🙏😎✌💐
Sorry, Leon, but we will talk about you now that you’re gone. Not out of disrespect, but because you were awesome. RIP, and give Jelly Roll and the gang our best.
So sad, Leon. Fellow Canuck. You will be missed. Saw you at Johnson State College, Vermont with my son Sean who just called to say how much that concert meant to him.
This here Gentleman is and shall always be a Tune Carryin' Melody Havin' Bluster of Love and Romance and Wanton Desire to be Sure, Oh Hellz Yeah Donchakno BayBeeeeeees!!! 💙🥰💙👒💙🌻💙🌞💙🌙💙
Well after making a genre breaking career of entertaining people the world over I think it's lovely that most of the comments here remember him with fondness. No need to spoil the vibe by reducing a great musicians legacy to one of playing an imaginary gig to entertain your wee made up friend.
Just a note: It's "to coin a phrase," using the word "coin" in the "to invent" sense. So actually, it's used appropriately only when you're making up a new phrase, not when you're borrowing one. In this case, it would make more sense to say "to borrow a phrase."
@@suebelzer6536 this made me laugh a lot thank you! I laughed internally when I read 'to corner a phrase' and then for some reason your correction really sent me off
He was both 50 years too late and 50 years ahead of his time.
What an enigma. A time traveler.
I saw him back around 2008 or 2009. What a legend. Dude knew how to troll a crowd. "This one is a sing along" then proceeds to play an instrumental.
Leon Redbone's anachronistic stage persona often seemed to eclipse his exceptional musicianship. Behind the quirky style, he was a serious craftsman and a gifted artist. His art was a gift to us all. I hope he's found his own Blue Heaven.
Farewell Leon. We WILL talk about you when you are gone. R. I. P.
RIP . . .
yes we will you were the best of anybody
how can we not when you were the very best individual musician of the 50 years in the past in the world
I first heard of Leon as a Kid watching Mr Belvedere...Leon did the theme song brilliantly. What an interesting guy he was. Amazing to me that he was raised in Greece or Armenia, ( I think to this day still much is not known about his background) then emigrated to Canada yet had this accent that sounds like he was from New Orleans. I know it was part of his character..very interesting guy & the epitome of cool
@@LisaMitchellGD He never broke character. He played at a club where I was doing video, and he was in character during the soundcheck. He visited the library in Kansas City to research old newspapers to find when a particular performer of the 1920s had played a theater in town... And he was in character talking to my friend in the microfilm department. My friend said to him "Pardon me for being forward sir, but you look familiar" to which Leon replied in a growl "The name's Redbone." My friend showed him the filing system and how to work the machines and helped him find the information he was looking for.
If he hadn't been struck down by a terrible disease, he probably would have written a wonderful history of American music of the late 19th and very early 20th century.
May 30, 2019 RIP Leon, your music and your whimsy will be missed.
You have to be kidding, I just looked for Leon on a lark today this is really creepy.
Sorry to hear he is gone. He is one player that got me into Ragtime playing. It was nice he carried on the tradition. Not many left. A bygone era that lasted only a few years and mainly forgotten. Bless You Leon RIP
nope
I just found out about him, did he pas away this year?
Rest in Peace Mr. Redbone ,. We only have good things to say about You.
❤
He used to come in shopping at the Acme supermarket where I worked in Doylestown, PA in the early 80s. Yes, and he always dressed in the wide-brimmed Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and white suit! He wasn't trying to be incognito. What a character! RIP Mr. Redbone.
He was Retro before that was even a term! Like from another Era! He went way back pre-Beatles, pre-Elvis and pre-everybody to the twenties and thirties songs and outplayed every hipster ever!
A Cool Dude from the Past! From a Bygone Era! And he did great versions of those standard songs and he was a fine guitar picker! He will be missed! One of a Kind!
RIP Leon Redbone
Nigga there were always people who played "old" music
(Not sayin redbone wasnt great)
I'm curious! As I heard this tune for the first time just now and thought he must be after Elvis with the sound, tho you say pre Elvis!? I'd like to know who did the voice first! This man Leon seems awesome! I'm in love 🙏😍💙💜💛😍🙏
@@wsullivan5395 To say there were none like Leon might be a mistake....Consider Tiny Tim and his career reviving ancient music (1900- 1930s) as being parallel to Leon...There are/were no others who dedicated their successful careers to the revival of the music of that early pre radio times...Oh, of course you are referring to the folk music produced by "Family Bands" and singer-songwriters, but we are talking about "the Best"...That's Leon Redbone
@@wsullivan5395 Go.
Shows what a talented musician can do with just a great song, a guitar and a voice.
Saw him twice in small , real small concerts in Up-State NY . He put on a real good show, enjoy his style, nothing else like it. In these small clubs you're within a few feet of him singing and playing. Got to shake his hand and thank him. .
Leon has been and always will be the Coolest Cat on the planet! A true original.
Fred Ichniowski
He was interesting..but neither cool nor original.
No question fellow baby, Leon was the bees knees. So cool, so mellow, like no other.
perfectly said by far
Yeah, Chipsky I don't think he is original either, but he carries so much soul, otherworldliness, n eternity. Like an angel that has come to visit us
RIP Leon, I think people will be talking about you long after you are gone
he is DEAD, he CAN'T read this... are you full time re-tarded? also he asked to NOT talk about him when he's gone, have you NO respect for his wishes?
@@emmpedno2161 shut up
and forever
@@emmpedno2161What a rude, dumbass remark…
Agreed, amazingly unique 😎
Members in New O, sipping on whiskey shots, chasing with coldazz beer, listening to him, and a small horn section. Got so comfy, I asked to move in. They said "SURE"!.....then they told me what rent would be. Nope. Not paying THAT! Besides, I only had 2 more days of leave. After that it's AWOL. But I stayed until Redbone was done!! Seeing him here.....finding out he's passed.....makes ya feel old, and quite sad actually. If this world needs more of, it's MORE Redbones. Not less. The planet is a little sadder place now.
Be seeing ya before long Mistah Redbone. Heavens done called another blues player back home.
Glad to have had the privilege to see Leon a few times. As the saying goes, "Each show different." Brilliant and he loved the music. Let's keep talking about him even though he's gone.
Just a guitar & an incredible voice. Just can’t be beat!
Fabulous rendition as always. Pure class. Rest in peace, good man.
Great camerawork
I first saw Leon busking in Toronto around 1969-70 (?) He frequented a small subway access tunnel to the Bloor St. station. He was clearly only in his 20's but he sounded like he was much older and worldy-wise. Somebody described his music as 'actually containing the scratchy surface noise of an old 78....'. Sometimes he could be seen in the ZUMburger at Yonge and Bloor.
In the 70's he began to play Toronto coffee houses like the Riverboat and Canada's most influential folk festival, Mariposa. I sought out and enjoyed many of his performances in the Toronto area. So did Bob Dylan, among others.... At some point he left Toronto for the USA and the next time I saw hm was on Saturday Night Live in '75. I recall whooping with delight in front of the University dorm room TV set to the complete mystification of my floor-mates.
"On the Tracks" came out the same year and I devoured that album both as a listener and as a young singer/guitarist. Learned every song. And I can still do them all, too!!
I was lucky enough to see Leon one last time at Hugh's Room in Toronto about 4 years ago. I believe it was his last tour......
People bandy about the word 'unique' mostly undeservedly when speaking of a lot of musicians. But Leon's picture is in the dictionary for the word....
I've got all his music on playlist now.... I have a gig next week and I'll be playing some Leon for the people....
I'm sad but his artistry makes me smile right through.........
Nice memories. I was lucky to see him in a small club in "78... One of my favorite musical nights
I was at that Hugh's room concert never heard of him before that . I cant honestly say I enjoyed every song . The piano player that night was excellent. RIP Leon .
What a lovely comment, thanks for sharing :)
If he was 69 when he died, then he's like 27 here.
There was such an air of mystery about him. I imaged that in real life he was an MD who performed as a release from a pressure filled life to find a little peace and joy before he faded back into the real world until he appeared almost magically again. I almost wish that had been the case. But, thankfully he appeared frequently and his music brought so much joy. Rest In Peace, kind sir.
I remember the first time Leon was on SNL, everybody thought it was Elliot Gould in disguise. My Uncle Rodger was way ahead of the rest of us since he had 8-tracks of his album. What a brave and noble soul Leon Redbone was. You are still and will always be on my playlists..God Speed!
We're still talking 'bout you Mr. Redbone.
Rest In Peace Leon, and thank you for all the great songs...we will miss you sir
Fabulous. Leon Redbone was one of a kind.
Rest in Peace, Leon. You were one of the great ones!!!
he is DEAD, he CAN'T read this... are you full time re-tarded? also he asked to NOT talk about him when he's gone, have you NO respect for his wishes?
@@emmpedno2161 "If you can't say anything real nice, it's better not to talk at all, that's my advice . . . "
So that means it's OK to talk about him, since everything we say is "real nice!"
So long, Leon. Thank-you for leaving so much of you behind.
I saw Leon play live just once, a free concert in a large Park in the early 1980s or there abouts. Unfortunately, I was sick as a dog with a really bad cold and I decided to self-medicate with a bottle of BlackBerry Brandy, so I don't remember very much about the show. I do own Leon's LP Double-Time, which I got completely by accident because I bought Little Feat's "Last Record Album" and when I slit open the shrink wrap, the record inside wasn't actually by Little Feat but instead it was Leon Redbone!
The greats always get talked about, especially when they are gone, RIP Leon.
Love Leon Redbone. 💗 It was a special day when I was introduced to his music and persona in the 1970s.
RIP Mr. Redbone. Your talent was a shining star for all of us.
Pour a glass of whiskey, sit back, relax, and put on the Redbone ..... Ahhhhhh Chillin'
@@cooper57m best kind of tribute anyone could perform.
As he would say... "they just brought in my prescription medicine from.... across the street!"
We're coming up to Philadelphia Folk Fest weekend, Leon Redbone was a regular performer and will be continued to be greatly missed.
Jeff
My mom used to play this on the marimba....she still sings it and she is 91!!!!!!!! RIP Leon
A USAF Veteran 🇺🇸
Saw Leon around 1974 at a coffee house in the Hudson Valley. He seemed like he was 30 years older than me, yet he was only a few. A true original, who never sold out....
His guitar work was smooth like fine distilled spirits.
RIP Mr Redbone. We are gonna miss you! ❤️
The Mysterious Troubador- Thank You Leon for Your wonderful music.
My first exposure to Leon Redbone was SNL. I’ve been a fan ever since the first note. My 2010 Prius is named Redbone. RIP Sweet Prince.
Thanks for the music, Leon. Safe journey.
@@emmpedno2161 fuck off
@@emmpedno2161 I laughed like Muttley when I read this.
One of a kind
Sorry, Leon--we are going to talk about how much we loved you. R.I.P.
Rest in peace, sweet balladeer. Thanks for the great tunes
No doubt, a true legend
I remember him on the Nov. 19th, 1977 SNL. 1949-2019.
Didn't he perform "Seduced?"
This guy is a treasure
Too late, dude - been talking about you all morning. Thanks for the wonderful music.
he is DEAD, he CAN'T read this... are you full time re-tarded? also he asked to NOT talk about him when he's gone, have you NO respect for his wishes?
Emm Pedno leave it alone man. He may be gone but not forgotten and we will talk about him and hope he hears us.
Thanks to SNL for showcasing this man. RIP
This man had highlight's of his gig "Leon growing, exploring, experimenting in his own way. Developing a style of vocal delivery
to match his tremendous song writing abilities and delivery style that entertained generations for decades, and so much more!
That's where I first seen him one of my favorite memories as a young SNL viewer of about 11or12
I've been talking about you since I saw you perform in 1974. All good stuff.
Sorry Leon you are gone and we are talking about you. The first time I heard Leon's music was back in the 70s. I used to hang out at Pizza Hut as a teen. Seduced was played at least once a night on the juke. Been in love with his music ever since. You are indeed one cool cat Leon. You will be missed.
This video is a nice treat - a chance to see Leon just with his guitar.. He is such a fine picker.
I miss this unique style of music in such a rare talent.
Fond memories regarding Mr Redbone from the first time I watched him preform on PBS in the mid 1970s to seeing him later in Kitchener at the BluesFest and attending a concert in Hamilton the next day with my wife and kids. I used to sing bedtime lullabies to my children imitating his style. You brought us much joy and mirth. RIP
Thank you for all your great music! We'll be talking about you for a long, long time. RIP
he is DEAD, he CAN'T read this... are you full time re-tarded? also he asked to NOT talk about him when he's gone, have you NO respect for his wishes?
Leon’s Christmas album is my all time favorite
Goodnight Sir. Thank you.
Sad to see you go. But our talk about you after you've gone is all good. RIP
Delicious smell of a bygone era, the wonderful taste of a laid back ragtime picking. Thank you, Mr. Redbone, for your peaceful talent... You brought so much ease and relief to us. Just hoping you'll trace J.J. Cale, Franck Stokes ,and Bob Brozman for a jam, somewhere, waiting for Paolo Conte to join the band, someday (as late as possible)...
If we do talk about you, it will be nothing but good Leon. Thank you for entertaining us in your unique way. Rest in peace Redbone, but keep on playing that guitar and singing those tunes when you can 😉🙏😎✌💐
RIP Leon saw you in concert in 1971 you were fantastic
I'll miss you Leon. I saw you in Santa fe New Mexico about 1979 or so. Loved your music ever sense.
RIP Leon - you were one of a kind.
Love to sing his songs walking on the beach. A humble fellow during my life.
Man, that cat was spot!
Yeah man he was the cats meow no doubt
Leon...you were so talented and one of a kind.....RIP
Don't worry, Leon. We’ll only say the kindest things about you. Miss you like crazy already!
Sorry, Leon, but we will talk about you now that you’re gone. Not out of disrespect, but because you were awesome.
RIP, and give Jelly Roll and the gang our best.
he is DEAD, he CAN'T read this... are you full time re-tarded? also he asked to NOT talk about him when he's gone, have you NO respect for his wishes?
RIP, Leon...one of the true greats...thanks for all the tunes...
Rip Redbone Valhalla is yours 🙏 Thank you for the wonderful sounds and laughter gonna miss ya ♥️
you style and voice will be missed. sorry never got to see you in person.
Thanks for doing us the honour of being in this world for some time...
so unique, you will be missed sir
Rich. Absolute soulful. Thanks for sharing. Heaven's gonna love ya !
Unique! Gentle yet STAYS IN YOUR HEART AND MIND! Thank you man!
Nice guitar work at the end.
Just picking the chords.
Leon was a really good guitar player.
@@randysmith2866 he doesn't prove it in this clip, randy.
I like the Ambiance Of he’s playing mmm....a cool cat ....ragtime hints and shades of Blue!!
Loved his rendition of "Ain't Misbehavin'"
So sad, Leon. Fellow Canuck. You will be missed. Saw you at Johnson State College, Vermont with my son Sean who just called to say how much that concert meant to him.
Thanks, Leon! Travel well, rest easy.
Very cool cat indeed!!! No one else like him. A true original. RIP Mr Redbone.
This here Gentleman is and shall always be a Tune Carryin' Melody Havin' Bluster of Love and Romance and Wanton Desire to be Sure, Oh Hellz Yeah Donchakno BayBeeeeeees!!! 💙🥰💙👒💙🌻💙🌞💙🌙💙
fantastic guitar playing
You were one of a kind Leon.
RIP Leon. Thanks for the music.
First time introduced to the eclectic sound of Leon Redbone was SNL 75',r.i.p. mr. Redbone,now you can entertain Jesus in person.
Well after making a genre breaking career of entertaining people the world over I think it's lovely that most of the comments here remember him with fondness. No need to spoil the vibe by reducing a great musicians legacy to one of playing an imaginary gig to entertain your wee made up friend.
Farewell Leon and thanks for all your art.
And, of course, we will. Thx for everything Leon. RIP,
Thank you Mr Redbone for all you've left us.
Been listening to him for years....don't always like the song....but to corner a phrase..."he sends me man...he sends me"
Love ya Leon...
Just a note: It's "to coin a phrase," using the word "coin" in the "to invent" sense. So actually, it's used appropriately only when you're making up a new phrase, not when you're borrowing one. In this case, it would make more sense to say "to borrow a phrase."
@@suebelzer6536 this made me laugh a lot thank you! I laughed internally when I read 'to corner a phrase' and then for some reason your correction really sent me off
What a great tune
Wow…..wow, absolutely love this…..
Was just introduced this amazing voice through my darling nrother in law
It's been a year already! Incredible artist....
Lordy, lordy, I'm gonna miss him.
We will talk about you Leon now your gone and continue to play your wonderful music. RIP
We will talk about you when you've gone Leon because we are gonna miss ya. Thanks for your music
Always found his voice cute, funny, and old-time. :). Very charming and catchy
Ive been looking for this guy since i was a kid i heard him sing when i was young i finally did but after he dies..rip old friend
No doubt this man had a one if a kind brand.
Used to watch him on the original SNL, back when they had talent on that show. Always enjoyed him.
Thanks for the memories Leon,hope to see you on the other side!!
I am a fan !! ( since 1977, I was 14)..it's hard to believe Leon was just 28 here !!!! ( born 8/26/49)...Legend !
R.I.P. Sir Your Music Was Classified As Out Of Time But For Me It Was Always There To Comfort Me When The Ghosts Of My Past Came To Call...
Always made me feel good...
In a way, a Wonderful Anachronism, in another, a Bluesy, Thumping, & Spirited Perspective of ol' timey music.
I really miss Leon Redbone. RIP.