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.
Marie
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'll soon be waking to find
Your heart is breaking
And tears will fall as you recall
The moon in all it's splendor
A kiss so very tender,
the world, will you surrender to me.
The lyrics of Leon Redbone's song 'Marie" speaks about a painful farewell between two lovers at the dawn of a new day. The singer of the song assures his lover, Marie, that they will wake up to a new day, but she will find her heart breaking, and tears falling as she recalls their tender moments under the moon's splendor. The singer begs Marie to surrender the world to him, a feeling of desperation arising from the fact that they may never see each other again. It is also significant that the song speaks about the moon's grace in contrast to the dawn's breaking, highlighting the dichotomy between their separation and their past moments of harmony.
Leon Redbone's "Marie" is an evocative love song that resonates with audiences who have experienced the pain of separation. The song bears the hallmarks of Redbone's signature style, which evokes an old-world charm from a bygone era. The chord progression itself is reminiscent of a bygone era, complete with the use of acoustic guitar, upright bass, and saxophone to create a mellow and nostalgic mood. This song invites the listener to slow down and remember moments of love, even as they know that those moments may be fleeting.
Line by Line Meaning
Marie, the dawn is breaking, marie,
Marie, the first light of day is appearing, Marie,
We'll soon be waking to find
We'll awaken shortly and realize
Your heart is breaking
Your heart is experiencing emotional pain
And tears will fall as you recall
You will cry while remembering
The moon in all its splendor
The moon, shining beautifully
A kiss so very tender,
A gentle, affectionate kiss
the world, will you surrender to me.
Will you give up control to me, Marie?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-yy1gt5qr5u
I was named after this song❤ Shannon Marie. Thank you, Daddy, in Heaven!!
@zapple1003
While my friends were listening to Led Zeppelin, I was listening to Leon Redbone.
@propagandalfx1976
RIP John Robert Brown ~love you forever dad
This was his favorite song
@jtheblackowl
RIP sweet angel and just thank you for making my high school days manageable. ..and my adhd...you taught me to slow down and just listen....
@veronicaharris8950
Thank you, sweet soul for your comment. I was blessed to see Leon live, in an intimate venue with my mother. One of my most memorable concert experiences far beyond the greats we'd both seen.
@jtheblackowl
🤩🤩🥸😎
@MrNorthernmike
I first saw Leon at the Riverboat Coffee House in Yorkville Toronto back in 1975. He and others came in from another Folk festival and each played a few songs. I was simply blown away by this fellow named Leon Redbone, he was so unique, nothing phony about him. From that moment on I have a soft spot in my heart for his wonderful music. Enjoy your retirement Leon, you're so deserving of it. Bless you for all of your contributions.
@LeonRedboneTributeChannel
Wow, great story. You are one of the few who can say they saw Leon that far back.
@fantee3775
Merci léon. Tu nous manques ❤
@K13ZONGZ
I took care of him and didnt know he was a singer. Wow he one of the best patent I ever had. Rip.