Leon Redbone, the eclectic performer who has been reviving the songs of the past for forty years, has announced his retirement from music.
A spokesman for Redbone said “We share the sadness and disappointment sure to be experienced by his many fans and friends and hope they understand that his health has been a matter of concern for some time. It has become too challenging for him to continue the full range of professional activities.”
Redbone, 65, got his start in Toronto area folk clubs in the early-70’s, where he was seen by Bob Dylan. The singer was so impressed with Leon that he mentioned him in a Rolling Stone interview, triggering a story on Rebone over a year before he signed his first record contract.
Leon’s first album, 1975’s On the Track, included his takes on such standards as Ain’t Misbehavin, Lulu’s Back in Town, Lazybones and Polly Wolly Doodle, all done in a style that harkened back to singers of the twenties and thirties.
Redbone’s true persona has always been a mystery, regularly being seen in public in his standard Panama hat and sunglasses. He was a favorite of Johnny Carson and appeared regularly on The Tonight Show along with Saturday Night Live, A Prairie Home Companion and many other programs.
Over his career, he recorded twelve studio albums and released four live sets. A new album, A Long Way Home, which will include live and studio solo performances, is expected in the near future.
A new documentary, Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone: The Search For Leon Redbone, is currently in the planning stages. This is a five-minute promo for the film.
more from vvnmusic.com
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