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.
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This time for sure
To have and hold you baby
Hold you in my arms
I'll be home this Christmas
This time for sure
I'll be there to comfort you
Lovin' you so tenderly
Oh just you wait and see
My heart will be for ever more
Yours till eternity
I'll be home this Christmas
For sure this time
You're everything I dreaming of
I'll be home this Christmas time
I'll be home this Christmas
This time for sure
To have and hold you baby
Forever this Christmas time
You're everything I dreaming of
I'll be home this Christmas time
Forever this Christmas time
I'll be home this Christmas time
The song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" sung by Leon Redbone originally written by Buck Ram, Walter Kent, and Kim Gannon in 1943, is a classic holiday song that speaks to the longing for someone special at Christmas time. The song has been covered by numerous performers and has remained popular throughout the years, even though it was written during World War II. In the song, the singer promises to be home for Christmas and to have and hold their loved one in their arms.
The first verse of the song declares the strong desire of the singer to be home for Christmas and to hold their loved one. The repetition of "this time for sure" shows how much the singer wants to fulfill this promise, indicating that they have been away from their loved one before. The second verse highlights the singer's intention to support and comfort their loved one, as they express their willingness to hold them forevermore. This indicates that the singer wants to make up for any past mistakes they may have made and make their relationship stronger.
In the final verse, the singer declares their undying love for their partner, promising to love them tenderly and forevermore. The last two lines "You're everything I'm dreaming of, I'll be home this Christmas time" highlights the importance of the loved one in the singer's life, making it clear that they are the reason for the singer's longing to be home for Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be home this Christmas
I will be returning home for Christmas
This time for sure
I am definitely coming home for the holiday season
To have and hold you baby
I am looking forward to seeing you and embracing you
Hold you in my arms
I plan to hold you tightly when we are reunited
I'll be there to comfort you
I am here to offer you love and support
Hold you forever more
I plan to hold you close for an indefinite amount of time
Lovin' you so tenderly
I will express my love for you in a gentle, caring way
Oh just you wait and see
You will witness my affection firsthand
My heart will be forever more
My devotion to you will be everlasting
Yours till eternity
I will love you forever
For sure this time
I am committed to returning home for Christmas without fail
You're everything I'm dreaming of
You are the most important thing on my mind and in my heart
Forever this Christmas time
This Christmas season will be special and significant forever
I'll be home this Christmas time
I will be returning home specifically for this Christmas holiday
Lyrics © GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buck Ram, Walter Kent, Kim Gannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Keegan
Christmas Island has been my favorite Christmas album ever since I got it countless years ago when it first came out around 1988. It's great all the way through.
There's no one like LR with his relaxed, loving delivery of old familiar songs. He managed to bring something unique and special to the songs he chose without being overwrought: he keeps it about the song.
ScuffedShoes
Christmas Island is my favorite Christmas album. And I especially like the elegant arrangement and Leon's very sensitive reading of "There's No Place Like Home for the holidays."
Sam Mckinstry
Thank you, Leon, for your soothing seasonal message and sending you best wishes for 2015. Hoping all goes well for your performance programme in 2015. I remember your Edinburgh shows with the greatest of enjoyment, indeed, they were unforgettable!
David Dwinell
I did not see John Gill's name mentioned on any of the tunes presented here on you tube in Leon's Christmas album. I know John played banjo among other instruments on the album and I believe was responsible for some of these arrangements.
David Dwinell
@Leon Redbone Tribute Channel Thanks, John is a good friend of mine and did a lot of arranging when with Redbone. Much appreciated.
Leon Redbone Tribute Channel
Right you are....I just checked my album sleeve and he is indeed credited for playing banjo, drums, & Bass Sax. I must have missed it way back when I put this album on the channel. Will update date all the tracks in a moment.
mark1952able
LOVE YOU LEON..............HOPE YOU FIND YOUR DREAMS
Leon Redbone Tribute Channel
The Leon Redbone Tribute Channel has just Started an official Companion group on Face Book Called "Leon Redbone Tribute Group" This group will allow Subscribers from the Leon Redbone Tribute Channel to be part of a more interactive Community where we can share the love of Leon Redbone's music, career, and legacy. I welcome All Susbscribers to come and join the NEW Face Book Group at the following link www.facebook.com/groups/leonredbone/