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 RUclips 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.)
I'm ashamed to say that this 71 yr old in UK has only tonight discovered him by chance from a RUclips 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’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.
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.
@@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 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
I have NO idea what he played, but in the first season or two he was on SNL, and I still remember seeing him to this day. He was such a cool, and unique guy I couldn't help by be impressed by his style. 50 plus years later I still love his vocals, and music.
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 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 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!
'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.
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.
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. 😢
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!
A private man and unique entertainer. Thanks to his recordings and RUclips 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!
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.
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!
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.
Sitting here on RUclips strolling through the music of the 60s and 70s. We can never go back. And now I have the blues. Thank you mister redbone. Greatest cover ever
I saw Leon at the Jewish Community Center in Jax, FL around 1990. It was just him and a girl playing cornet and other brass. I have seen many concerts but to this day, that was one of the most moving musical experiences of my life. I can still hear and feel his guitar and that cornet in my soul. This Bud's for you Leon!
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.
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've been listening to him since "Double Time," in the 70's. None better. I'll never forget finally getting to see him perform on Belmont, Portland OR. By the time we got out to the parking lot he was already there and had setup a bar right there in the parking lot next to his bus! He's just an awesome guy. :)
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.
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 RUclips 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%.
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....🐐
We youngsters miss him too
Still adore him in 2024, and always will. Sorely missed
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!
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 🧡
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 RUclips 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 😎
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
This is who I want to be when I grow up.
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.
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!
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 discovered Leon in the sixties,not tired of him yet. RIP Leon, I know you brought your walking stick along.😎
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.
Leon Redbone was the coolest most laidback musician ever. Love his music!!
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….?
I have NO idea what he played, but in the first season or two he was on SNL, and I still remember seeing him to this day. He was such a cool, and unique guy I couldn't help by be impressed by his style. 50 plus years later I still love his vocals, and music.
Shine on. Thank you for the music and Rest In Peace.
He is the best.
Leon....you were a great and unique talent...you will be missed.
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.❤
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.
Heaven just got a lot cooler. RIP
true
You ain't lying friend
How so?
@@ST-xg3gy Leon redbone passed a couple years ago
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.
Loved this man’s music for many many many years! He is priceless!
Me too
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!
Two of the coolest guys to ever hit the stage; Leon Redbone and Dr. John
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.
No one cooler than Leon God bless Leon and everyone
'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
The hat, glasses, nose and mustache are all one piece!
🥸
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
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. 😢
This man was simply a miracle in the guitar flesh.
Saw him in a small church venue accompanied by a pianist absolutely loved it sits in my memory so well.
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…..!?
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!
Rest In Peace sir, your voice was one of a kind.
Like the muted trumpet also.
What a supremely original, talented man. So underrated. Rest well dear sir.
I remember someone (a young man!) telling me that the best show he ever saw was Leon Redbone.
A private man and unique entertainer. Thanks to his recordings and RUclips his music won't be forgotten by those of us who appreciated his talents for more than 40 years. REST PEACEFULLY, Leon.
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.
I really miss Leon and his coolness wonderful voice. He was one of the coolest. Never be another like Leon Redbone…
Everything about this man is classic. Love love love his music!
Redbone equaled cool, rhythms of Chicago, and the beautiful baritone voice that he had. Nice sunglasses too.
30th May 2019 - thank you Leon. I hope you were met by those you love on the otherside.
so well said Heather
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!
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…..?
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!
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.
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….?
As all these comments confirm, Leon Redbone was a much loved entertainer, sadly no longer with us.
A true gentleman, of the old school.
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.
He was indeed one of a kind. Harvest moon is tomorrow night, Sept 28, 2023.
He,could hold a audience in a Trance!Who,else could do that!!!!!
This is America. Music from the twenties dance era. Truly the greatest.
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.
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.
Ah, Leon was great. Saw him four or five times, starting with a '82 show in Columbus, Ohio. RIP to the Crooner.
This artist was a real treasure!
- 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!!
i don't think it CAN get cooler than mr. redbone!
Had the pleasure of seeing Leon Redbone on 3 different occasions. His antics and banter added so much to the shows. RIP
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:)
Sitting here on RUclips strolling through the music of the 60s and 70s. We can never go back. And now I have the blues. Thank you mister redbone. Greatest cover ever
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.
Leon Redbone -the epitome of coolness.
RIP, Leon Redbone. One of the most unique and classiest acts of our time. We will not see your kind again :-(
I am 62, I love turning 20 yrol to this stuff.
Oh same here, hope you doing good…..!
He single handedly save much old time music
As classic rock lover, I really like this.
What a voice. There's never been another singer like him and I daresay there won't be again.
I saw Leon at the Jewish Community Center in Jax, FL around 1990. It was just him and a girl playing cornet and other brass. I have seen many concerts but to this day, that was one of the most moving musical experiences of my life. I can still hear and feel his guitar and that cornet in my soul. This Bud's for you Leon!
Weird how we may never have heard of him had his parents not been forcefully displaced by the illegitimate state of "israel" in 1948.
@@nobodynoone2500 Did you have to try and ruin the music like that? They have political forums.
RIP. A legend. Style, wit, charisma, talent.
I first heard him sing 40 years ago. He was one of a kind. RIP.
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.
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…..?
RIP Mr. Redbone, you were an original.
Wow, he had such a laid back and unique style. My condolences to his family and other fans of his work.
RIP Leon. Your talent was highly underrated.
Oh yeah so true, hope you doing good and staying safe…..?
I love his music, everyone else was listening to rock, and he got me hooked on this great music.
This one was hard. God bless all those who grew up listening to greatness. Riest in peace. The Lord took you home so soon.
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.
Leon is save for the soul got to see him in concert alot. What a treat
As always...Leon is the coolest guy in the room...wherever he goes
Such unique, cool, classy singer😉
Losing a man like Leon Redbone is like losing a part of our culture lest we hang onto it. Pleasant journey Leon.
Leon Redbone was a one of a kind talent....very special!
I saw him twice in small venues, once at the Carefree Theater in West Palm Beach, FL. The man was as funny as he was talented.
RIP Leon Redbone 5/30/19....you're one of a kind, and we'll miss you.
I was lucky enough to see him play live in the 1980's.
RIP you old soul, what a truly amazing treasure to music
he truly was a gem
I was introduced to him at the age of 10 by my cool uncle!
Miss you unc!
RIP Tio
RIP sir. Thnx for all the pleasure!
Discovered Leon while attending college in the 70s and have been a fan ever since. Truly one of a kind.
Oh so same here, hope you doing good ….?
I've been listening to him since "Double Time," in the 70's. None better. I'll never forget finally getting to see him perform on Belmont, Portland OR. By the time we got out to the parking lot he was already there and had setup a bar right there in the parking lot next to his bus! He's just an awesome guy. :)
he opened for jethro tull in 1972 denver.
Yes, he is. I got to meet him in the late 80's during a break at the bar at his show. What a great guy. Fantastic show.
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.
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.
Genius! Great band and great rendition....
I honestly say this man was one of a kind rest in peace leon.