Cyprus-born (of Armenian ancestry) Canadian-American songwriter, singer, guitarist, actor, and voice actor specializing in jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley classics. Recognized by his Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and black tie, he first appeared on stage in Toronto, Canada, in the early 1970s. As well as music, he also appeared on film and television in acting and voice-over roles.
Redbone, who had a distinctive deep voice, began his career in the 1970s. His work encompassed pre-war jazz, ragtime, & blues styles with modern arrangements that still retain a vintage feel.
While living in Canada in the early 1970s, Redbone began performing in public at Toronto area nightclubs and folk music festivals. At one point, it was rumored that he was actually comedian Andy Kaufman, who sometimes took on other identities, or Frank Zappa, who somewhat resembled Redbone. However, Redbone has performed since the deaths of Kaufman and Zappa, and the rumors have subsided. David Letterman once proposed that he was Don Novello, the comedian famous for playing Father Guido Sarducci.
In 1974, Rolling Stone magazine ran a feature article on Redbone, a full year before he had a recording contract. The article described his performances as "so authentic you can hear the surface noise [of an old 78 rpm]." His first album, On the Track, was released by Warner Bros. Records in 1975. He was introduced to a larger public as a semi-regular musical guest on NBC's Saturday Night Live throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s. In a late-'70s appearance on the The Merv Griffin Show, he was introduced as "Andy Kaufman ...maybe or maybe not," alluding to the eccentric comedian as being his possible true identity.
During the 1980s-90s Redbone was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was apparent from the on-air exchanges between host and guest that Carson was a fan of Redbone's work.
Redbone survived the crash of a small plane in Clarksburg WV on Feb. 12, 1979.
Blue Christmas
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be so blue just thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green christmas tree
Won't be the same dear, if you're not here with me
And when those blue snowflakes start falling
That's when those blue memories start calling
You'll be doin' all right, with your christmas of white
You'll be doin' all right, with your christmas of white,
But I'll have a blue, blue christmas
Leon Redbone's song "Blue Christmas" is a melancholic holiday song that talks about the sadness that comes with spending Christmas without a loved one. The opening line "I'll have a blue christmas without you" sets the somber mood of the song. The singer describes the feeling of being blue and constantly thinking about the person they're missing. The line "Decorations of red on a green christmas tree won't be the same dear, if you're not here with me" is a poignant reminiscence of the happy memories that were shared with the loved one in the past.
The second stanza of the song talks about the memories that come flooding back when the snow starts falling. The winter season, usually a time of joy and happiness, turns into a sad and lonely period for the singer. The line "You'll be doin' all right, with your christmas of white" suggests that the person they're missing might be having a good Christmas without them, but that only adds to their own melancholy. The repetition of the phrase "blue blue blue blue christmas" at the end of the song highlights the depth of sadness the singer is feeling.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll have a blue christmas without you
I will feel sadness and loneliness during the Christmas holiday season without your presence.
I'll be so blue just thinking about you
Simply thinking of you will cause me to feel deep sadness.
Decorations of red on a green christmas tree
The traditional colors of Christmas decorations will remind me of you and cause me sadness.
Won't be the same dear, if you're not here with me
The holiday season will not be as enjoyable or fulfilling without your company.
And when those blue snowflakes start falling
As snowflakes fall from the sky, I will be reminded of the loneliness I feel without you.
That's when those blue memories start calling
My memories of you and our time together will become more vivid and painful during the holiday season.
You'll be doin' all right, with your christmas of white
You may be okay with celebrating a traditional white Christmas without me.
But I'll have a blue, blue blue blue christmas
I will have a deeply sad, almost melancholic Christmas without you.
Lyrics © DEMI MUSIC CORP. D/B/A LICHELLE MUSIC COMPANY, EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HUGH MARTIN, RALPH BLANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bozotro
This album is a Christmas tradition at my house.
@andreadanielle71
Great video thank for sharing
@klevesmith
I've had my Cd since released ~ listened on the way to work just yesterday - Thanks for the great music!!!
@92951
nice
@TheInjunjon
Thanks for the great music , been listening to you for YEARS,.even have some albums on vinyl! and still listen to them, imagine that. Merry xmas.
@LeonRedboneTributeChannel
Now we all know you can't have a BLUE CHRISTMAS when you have the Leon Redbone Chrismas album to keep you company (: Season's Greetings! The Christmas season is once again upon us, and I am happy to share with you the album "Christmas Island" 12 wonderful tracks to get you in the Christmas Spirit. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
@morosemoose
My favorite Christmas Album. Can't seem to find my copy so I'm going to have to order a new one.
@dennisbrown4524
I've had that CD for years. Christmas just won't be the same without Redbone
@LeonRedboneTributeChannel
Seasons Greetings! Salutations and a cup of Christmas cheer for listening to this track from the Leon Redbone Christmas Album. I would like to welcome subscribers and viewers to make sure to enjoy the Entire Leon Redbone Christmas album for the entire month of December. The entire album is available on the channel page and I shall be featuring different songs from the album throughout the month. Merry Christmas!
@stevenmiller268
Has been my favorite Christmas album for years