Friday, May 31, 2019

Alas, Leon Redbone Died Yesterday




I have to admit, I am not an expert on Leon Redbone's music. I can not name all of his most popular songs, or tell you anything about his life, but I have always admired his unique voice and style.

It takes a lot of courage and stubbornness to be different, and Mr. Redbone was definitely different!

He played the songs HE wanted to play, and never worried about the modern trends, and what was "hot" at the time.

If you're not familiar with Leon Redbone's music, here's an example...


His wardrobe was old timey, and he wore hats, which is not done much anymore.

Everything was "throwback," not just his clothes. The music he played, his singing style (kinda like Al Jolson)...


Yes, Al sang in blackface, but nobody knew it was wrong back then. 

...his song choices, EVERYTHING was refreshingly Leon Redbone alone!

There have been a lot of unique entertainers that have come and gone, like Tiny Tim, or Weird Al, but Leon Redbone was an excellent musician who took his music seriously, most of the time...but not all of the time...


Most of us (me included), do not have the cojones to be different, like Leon Redbone. He was a special, beloved entertainer, who will always be remembered, not in spite of his quirky style, but because of it!