Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
 

Leon Redbone · (Active: 1920's —2000's)

Photo by David Gahr
Genre:
Jazz
Styles:
Ragtime
Born:
August 26, 1949
Active:
1920's—2000's
Biography by Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
While his gravelly baritone and omnipresent fedora, dark glasses and Groucho Marx moustache made him one of the more distinct and recognizable characters in popular music, little is known about the neo-vaudeville crooner Leon Redbone. Throughout his career, he steadfastly refused to divulge any information about his background or personal life; according to legend, Redbone's desire to protect his privacy was so intense that when he was approached by the famed producer John Hammond, the contact number he gave was not his own phone, but that of a Dial-A-Joke service.

Because Redbone first emerged as a performer in Toronto during the 1970s, he was believed to be Canadian; his work, a revival of pre-World War II ragtime, jazz and blues sounds, recalled the work of performers ranging from Jelly Roll Morton and Bing Crosby to blackface star Emmett Miller. He made his recording debut in 1976 with On the Track, which featured legendary jazz violinist Joe Venuti as well as singer/songwriter Don McLean; his 1977 follow-up Double Time even reached the U.S. Top 40 charts, largely on the strength of his frequent appearances on television's "Saturday Night Live."

After 1978's Champagne Charlie, Redbone began recording only sporadically; following 1981's Branch to Branch, he waited four years before re-entering the studio to cut Red to Blue. Invariably, his albums featured guest appearances from a eclectic cast of luminaries: while 1987's Christmas Island included a cameo by Dr. John, 1994's Whistling in the Wind included duets with Ringo Starr and Merle Haggard. Despite his low profile, Redbone also earned a certain measure of fame as a fixture in various television advertising campaigns.
Back to the topDiscography
Album   Released Publisher Rating
Christmas Island [Bonus Track] 1988 Rounder Select
Popular Products for Leon Redbone Back to the top
More products on Leon Redbone »
Top Questions about Leon Redbone Back to the top
I have researched this and I have found nothing that ties Leon Redbone with the group Redbone.
Yes, we list the full pop rock Leon Redbone tour dates so that you may be fully informed. Check the Leon Redbone schedule online on Ticketloot.com and see on which dates the next Leon Redbone concert will be held. Then choose the best pop s...
Images of Leon Redbone Back to the top
More images of Leon Redbone »
Back to the topExternal Links
Table of Contents
Biography
Discography
Popular Products
Top Questions
Images
Videos
Event Listings for Leon Redbone
External Links