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.
Christmas Ball Blues
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And to me it brings good cheer
And to everyone who likes wine and beer
Happy new year is after that
Happy I'll be that is a fact
That's why I like to hear
Folks who say that "Christmas is here"
Christmas bells will ring real soon
Even in the afternoon
There'll be no chime bells ringin'
At the Christmas ball
Everyone must watch their step
Or they will lose their rep'
Everybody's full of pep
At the Christmas ball
Grab your partner one and all
Keep on dancin' 'round the hall
If there's no one to call
Don't you dare do stall
If your partner don't act fair
Don't worry there's someone there
Takin' a chance everywhere
At the Christmas ball
The lyrics in Leon Redbone's song "Christmas Ball Blues" are about the festive season and the joy it can bring to those who enjoy wine and beer. The song is an upbeat celebration of Christmas and the New Year that follows. Redbone sings about how happier he will be because Christmas is here and how Christmas bells ring real soon even in the afternoon, making the celebration more joyful. The lyrics allude to the Christmas ball, where everyone is full of energy, and they must watch their steps, or they will lose their reputation. The song urges people to grab their partner and continue dancing around the hall, even if there is no one to call.
The underlying message of the song is that Christmas is a time to be with loved ones, celebrate and forget all worries, making the most of the festive season. The lyrics imply that, even if some people do not have a partner, there is always room to enjoy the ball and make the most of the opportunity to meet new people. The song encourages people to take chances, which is in line with the spirit of the festive season, where people are expected to show love, kindness, and generosity.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas comes but once a year
The festive season comes only once every year
And to me it brings good cheer
I find joy and happiness during this time
And to everyone who likes wine and beer
Those who enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages also find it enjoyable
Happy new year is after that
The start of a new and happy year is close by
Happy I'll be that is a fact
I am certain that I will be happy
That's why I like to hear
This is why I enjoy listening to people's excitement about Christmas
Folks who say that "Christmas is here"
Individuals who acknowledge that the holiday season has arrived
Christmas bells will ring real soon
The chime of the bells will resonate shortly
Even in the afternoon
Even when the time of day is not usually associated with ringing bells
There'll be no chime bells ringin'
However, no bells will be heard at the Christmas ball event
At the Christmas ball
The occasion to which I am referring
Everyone must watch their step
All attendees must be cautious of their behavior
Or they will lose their rep'
Otherwise they will damage their reputation
Everybody's full of pep
Everyone has high energy and enthusiasm
Grab your partner one and all
Everyone should dance with their partner
Keep on dancin' 'round the hall
Continue to enjoy dancing around the venue
If there's no one to call
If there is no one for you to call your partner
Don't you dare do stall
Do not hesitate to dance regardless
If your partner don't act fair
If your partner is not dancing in a fair manner
Don't worry there's someone there
Do not worry, as there is someone else to take their place
Takin' a chance everywhere
Everyone is just enjoying themselves and taking chances while dancing
At the Christmas ball
At the annual Christmas event
Contributed by Lila P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jim De Young
Greatest Christmas album ever made.
Anne Dove
Totally--my all time favorite
Sylvia Silver
Leon Redbone is marvelous!!!!⚘💖⚘
SirJohnPaulMcDeath
Mr.Redbone: That album cooks! I bought it on tape and then on C.D. It's a classic! Love your artwork for it also! Keep it up you never know you might just make it someday kid! :) All the best!
Tony Wood
I have an autographed copy of this CD. Signed it for me after a show. Prized possession.
Leon Redbone Tribute Channel
Wow, lucky you.
Fred
Thanks to Leon....classic!
Leon Redbone Tribute Channel
Merry Christmas. Enjoying a glass of Evan William's Original Southern Egg Nog, made with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Brandy.
Timothy Kiedrowski
what a great way to view the Holidays.... Some days you just need a alternative view... This song makes me feel like been there ,,, did that.. Paczki king
Ben Goff
Can anyone help me find the ukulele chords to this song? Thanks in advance,