Music Genius Leon Redbone Passes From This Earth a few Hours ago …
I was sad to hear that one of my musical heroes left the planet.
I loved Leon Redbone.
I never had the opportunity to meet him – yet, his unique historical jazz style became a favorite of mine when I was in high school in the 1970s. It was ever so classy.
I own original copies of all his vinyl albums. His music is such a MOOD … Perfect to put on when one is having to think and be creative.
When it was announced that he would be the musical guest on SNL Saturday Night Live way back then in the 1970s … I stayed up to see it live for myself. It was a genuine treat!
Just last week, I was in Ashville, North Carolina on a Friday.
After enjoying the drum circle, I walked around the city square.
There was a band playing in a club in front of a wide glass window that sounded very much like the same musical genre as Leon Redbone – so I stepped in for a while.
Between a song, I called out – “Do yall know any Leon Redbone?” The stand up bass player (apparently the band leader) answered “Not really – he’s got the chops we’re looking for” …
… I kept walking down the street …
I still ask myself – was he Ragtime … riverboat paddle wheel … jazz roots … early New Orleans blues … or just his own style of blended time travel in music in the 20th century ???
Leon Redbone and his music will live on – like all those other great band leaders – as long as we remember and listen to the recordings they left us.
Click HERE for Leon Redbone on WIKIPEDIA
Click HERE for the article on his passing in the Rolling Stone
Leon Redbone had the kind of COOL that James Bond had. Yet it was in his music and his persona. How did he come about his COOL?
Was he born cool? Did he figure it out later in life? Did he create his own brand of COOL?
Did he define a new COOL for us all?
He was COOL !!! Icebox COOL …
When he performed – it demanded attention not unlike jumping suddenly into a pool of ice cold water … taking your breath away …
Leon Redbone – Shine On Harvest Moon
Leon Redbone – Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone – Live On Stage
Category: Tony Rollo Blog
Yes. Sad. But what a great life of music!
Thanks Marcie –
But it is wonderful when someone not only gives us so much when they live – but so much to enjoy when they are gone.
I have his records to listen to … so he gave me a lot in my life to inspire me forever.