Enigmatic cult singer Leon Redbone died on Thursday after a long and storied career as an archivist and historian of obscure, pre-recording-era American music. His age has been the source of debate for decades —the official announcementplayfully claims he was 127 — but mostreports state his age as 69.
Redbone’s family confirmed his death in a messageposted to his official website,which added a little humor whileeulogizing the mysterious musician.
Details of his death are otherwise sketchy, as are details of his life.
Known for his dark sunglasses, Panama hat and mustache, Redbone made his name in the mid-’70s while working the folk festival circuit, where he met Bob Dylan.
Dylan famously praised Redbone’s mysterious nature in a1974Rolling Stoneinterview, as the singer would always refuse to answer any questions about his background.
“Leon interests me,” Dylan said at the time. “I’ve heard he’s anywhere from 25 to 60, I’ve been [a foot and a half from him] and I can’t tell. But you gotta see him. He does old Jimmie Rodgers, then turns around and does a Robert Johnson.”
Redbone was reportedly born Dickran Gobalian in Cyprus, according toRolling Stone, before moving to Canada in the ’60s where he began his music career playing in Toronto nightclubs.
While Redbone never achieved mainstream commercial success, his appearances onThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonandSaturday Night Livehave earned him a fervent underground following.
Redbone sang the theme songs for the television showsMr. Belvedereas well asHarry and the Hendersons, and would also go on to appear in commercials for Chevrolet, Budweiser, and All laundry detergent. He also voiced the character of Leon the Snowman in the 2003 filmElf.
He would go on to release several albums through smaller independent record labels before retiring from music in 2015 due to health issues.
source: people.com
