Acclaimed singer and guitarist Leon Redbone, known for his jazz, ragtime and Tin Pan Alley-style music, has died.
Redbone's family confirmed the musician's death on Thursday in a statement shared on his official website.
Redbone's actual age was not known since he never directly answered questions about the subject; the family's statement said he "crossed the delta for that beautiful shore at the age of 127." However, according to The Associated Press, he was 69, with the performer's publicist saying he was born in Cyprus on Aug. 26, 1949.
"It is with heavy hearts we announce that early this morning, May 30th 2019, Leon Redbone crossed the delta for that beautiful shore at the age of 127. He departed our world with his guitar, his trusty companion Rover, and a simple tip of his hat,” the statement read.
Continuing in the lighthearted tone, the statement added: “He’s interested to see what Blind Blake, Emmett and Jelly Roll have been up to in his absence, and has plans for a rousing sing-along number with Sári Barabás. An eternity of pouring through texts in the Library of Ashurbanipal will be a welcome repose, perhaps followed by a shot or two of whiskey with Lee Morse, and some long-overdue discussions with his favorite Uncle, Suppiluliuma I of the Hittites.
"To his fans, friends and loving family who have already been missing him so in this realm, he says: ‘Oh behave yourselves. Thank you…. and good evening everybody.'"
Saw him in the mid-80s in person Piermont, NY (on the Hudson). Wasn't really my style music, but even then he was a class act.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. A class act.
DeleteSaw him at the Paramount in Austin about 30 years ago and fell in love with his music. Saw him again just 2 - 3 years ago and MAN was he ornery and cantankerous... but still good.
ReplyDelete"I wanna be seduced.... I wanna woman who'll talk to me suggestively..."
I saw him twice in Spokane, WA over the years. The first time he had a trumpet player with him who played two trumpets at the same time. Amazing. And, indeed, a class act. RIP Leon.
ReplyDelete