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.
Nobody
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's no place for you somehow,
With all of your fancy clothes, silken gowns,
You'll be out of place in the middle of your own hometown,
When you walk down the avenue,
All the folks just can't believe that it's you.
With all those painted lips and painted eyes,
Wearing a bird of paradise,
It seems so funny,
You're nobody's sweetheart now!
The lyrics of Leon Redbone's song "Nobody" depicts the singer as a fallen woman who's lost her respectability and position in society. She's now nobody's sweetheart and doesn't belong in her own hometown anymore. Despite her fancy clothes and silken gowns, she's out of place and can't fit in anymore. People can't believe it's her when she walks down the avenue with her painted lips and painted eyes and wearing a bird of paradise. The lyrics suggest that she's become a social outcast and that her past mistakes have led to her downfall. The song highlights the pain and isolation of someone who has lost everything, including their reputation and the love of others.
The song was popularized in the 1920s and has been covered by many musicians since then. Its lyrics speak to the social mores of the time and reflect the judgmental attitudes prevalent towards women who didn't conform to societal expectations. The song presents a powerful message on the consequences of losing one's honor and reputation.
Line by Line Meaning
You're nobody, nobody's sweetheart now,
You're not nearly as popular or beloved as you used to be, and no one considers you their darling anymore.
There's no place for you somehow,
It seems like you don't quite fit in anywhere anymore.
With all of your fancy clothes, silken gowns,
Despite your elegant attire...
You'll be out of place in the middle of your own hometown,
...you'll still look out of place even in the town you grew up in.
When you walk down the avenue,
As you stroll down the street...
All the folks just can't believe that it's you.
...everyone who sees you can barely believe it's really you they're seeing.
With all those painted lips and painted eyes,
Despite the layers of makeup on your face...
Wearing a bird of paradise,
...and adorning your hair with exotic flowers...
It all seems wrong somehow,
...something just doesn't seem right.
It seems so funny,
In fact, it's sort of comical.
You're nobody's sweetheart now!
It's clear that you're no longer anyone's sweetheart - just a stranger in your own skin.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERNIE ERDMAN, GUS KAHN, BILLY MEYERS, ELMER SCHOEBEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@olebubby
RIP Leon.... I was playing this festival and got to speak to Leon for a minute before this set. He was a living enigma but a wealth musical history and was a true modern day vaudevillian. He brought historically important music and theatrics of the early 20th century to generations.
@patearly9492
One of my favorite all-time performers. Thank you for sharing and God bless everyone
@Gl0ckb0y
RIP Mr. Redbone! You’re one of a kind!
@lillyandruben
My father used to listen to him all the time and I have always loved his music even when as a kid just so classic
@jameswnmcn
RIP Leon. We'll miss your voice.
@anthonymoon6918
One of the coolest ever! RIP Leon
@barcrrt850
What a talent!
@ffjsb
Just pure CLASS.
@malcolmclark2001
Gotta love this guy.
@joenock3466
My brother got me on him, brilliant in his own way fun to listen too, what a magical voice