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A music blog featuring Alt-Country, Americana, Indie, Rock, Folk & Blues. Est. 2005.

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In Memoriam – Leon Redbone

Saturday, June 01, 2019 By Shawn Underwood

Since you’re a Twangville reader, you probably heard Leon Redbone passed away this week. Chances are good you heard that from a friend or a post in your group; mainstream media never really discovered Leon. He was a performer rooted in 100-year-old entertainer traditions and his music pushed boundaries even as it sounded sort of familiar. That unique mix never quite hit home for the popular music taste-makers. I don’t recall many musicians citing Leon as an influence, and yet all of them have listened to his music.

A Rolling Stone article once said of a live Redbone performance, “it’s so authentic you can hear the crackle of the 78-rpm record in the air of the room.” I can vouch for that, at least the times I saw him. He could pair a dobro with a trumpet, as in this video, or a banjo with a tuba. The result of those instruments and his comedic interludes between songs delivered not just a performance, but an atmosphere. If you’re not familiar with Leon’s music, listen to a couple of his songs this weekend. They’ll make your soul smile.


About the author:  I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.


Filed Under: Folk, In Memoriam, Jazz

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