I had this post started since last year but never posted. I saw another blog yesterday mentioning Leon’s passing at 69 years old on Thursday. I never bought a record by him but I loved his songs and his appearances on Saturday Night Live in the 70s. This was back when Lorne Michaels would actually take a chance and let someone play that wasn’t on the charts or “hot.”
I have a friend…Chris who would play his songs on guitar and sometimes goof around on popular songs in Leon’s style. Redbone was one of a kind and a part of my childhood growing up.
He was a hell of a guitar player that played in a twenties – forties jazz and blues style along with his deep voice.
This was on Leon’s website…
“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. 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.”
Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone
Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone, oh honey
Though our friendship ceases from now on
If you can’t say anything real nice, it’s better
Not to talk at all, is my advice
You go your way I’ll go mine, best we do
Here’s a kiss, I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Makes no difference, how I carry on
Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone
You go your way I’ll go mine, best we do
Here’s a kiss, I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Makes no difference, how I carry on
Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone
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