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.
Right or Wrong
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though you're gone, I can't forget.
Right or wrong, I'll keep on dreaming,
Still I wake with that same old regret.
All along I knew I'd lose you,
Though I prayed that you'd be true.
In your heart, please just remember,
Right or wrong, I'll always love you.
Though you're gone, I can't forget.
Right or wrong, I'll keep on dreaming,
Still I wake with that same old regret.
All along I knew I'd lose you,
Though I prayed that you'd be true.
Oh Lord, in your heart, please just remember,
Right or wrong, I'm still in love with you.
Leon Redbone's song "Right or Wrong" is a poignant ballad that deals with the theme of lost love, regret, and longing. The song conveys the message that the love between the singer and his beloved is eternal and he will always love her no matter what. Despite the fact that she has left him and he cannot forget her, he continues to dream about her and hold on to the hope that she will return to him.
The first verse starts with the declaration that the singer will always love his beloved, right or wrong, even though she has gone away and he cannot forget her. He admits that he still dreams of her every night, yet wakes up with the same old feelings of regret for losing her. The second verse portrays the singer's realization that he was going to lose his beloved no matter what he did. However, he still prayed that she would be true and love him back. The plea to the Lord in the last line of the second verse adds a spiritual dimension to the song, suggesting that the singer is seeking divine intervention to help him in his quest to win back his love. The chorus then repeats the opening lines, emphasizing the singer's unyielding love for his beloved.
Overall, the song is a beautiful and moving expression of love and loss that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of a broken heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Right or wrong, I'll always love you.
No matter what happens, my love for you will remain unchanging.
Though you're gone, I can't forget.
Even though you are not with me anymore, I cannot forget our memories together.
Right or wrong, I'll keep on dreaming,
Regardless of the circumstances, I will continue to have hopes and dreams for our future together.
Still I wake with that same old regret.
However, I cannot help but feel regretful every time I wake up and realize that you are not here with me.
All along I knew I'd lose you,
I always had a feeling that I would eventually lose you one way or another.
Though I prayed that you'd be true.
Even though I hoped that you would remain faithful to me, I still knew that losing you was a possibility.
In your heart, please just remember,
I ask you to keep in mind that no matter what happens, my love for you will always remain strong.
Right or wrong, I'm still in love with you.
Despite everything that has happened, I cannot help but love you deeply and unconditionally.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WANDA JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Keindel
Who doesn't love Leon with brass. Awesome, great tempo.
Gene Hennigh
There ain't never been anyone like Leon Redbone. Ain't never gonna be another one neither.
Blue Ribbon Healers
@Leon Redbone you are the best. You were classy, brilliant, funny and 100 years from now people will still be listening and captivated by the body of work you helped maintain. Your stewardship of this most significant repertoire was impeccable and your fans, me being one,
cherish your service to the arts.
Sam Mckinstry
Taken too soon. The only thing he ever did against his will! Our 'non-compliant' musical genius, sadly missed but still able to be enjoyed! God bless, Leon.
Dakota Johnson
Milton Brown and Bob Wills would be proud
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/
Douglas Tumua
Father Guido Sarducci?!?
Douglas A
For real?
Douglas A
Hey who are you?
Douglas A
Are you me?