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.
White Christmas
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
And may all your Christmases be
(All your Christmases be white)
(All your Christmases be white)
Leon Redbone's version of the classic song "White Christmas" captures the essence of the holiday season with a nostalgic and sentimental tone. The lyrics describe a longing for a traditional snowy Christmas that is reminiscent of the singer's childhood. The first two stanzas portray an image of a picturesque winter wonderland with glistening treetops and joyous children listening for sleigh bells in the snow. This sets the scene for the main theme of the song - the dream of experiencing a white Christmas once again.
The third stanza emphasizes the importance of sending Christmas cards, as the singer wishes everyone the merriest and brightest of days. The repetition of the first two stanzas throughout the song reinforces the desire for the ideal Christmas experience. The final lines "And may all your Christmases be white" serve as both a blessing and a continuation of the theme of the perfect holiday.
Overall, the song is an embodiment of the nostalgic longing for past memories and the hope for a future that recaptures the essence of the past. It evokes emotions of warmth, comfort, and desire for simpler times.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
I hope for a snowy Christmas filled with joy and peace
Just like the ones I used to know
Just like my childhood memories of Christmas with snow
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
In a place where the snow-covered trees shine and kids eagerly wait for sleigh bells
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
To listen the pleasant jingling sound produced by bells attached to the horse carriages while they move in the snow
With every Christmas card I write
Every time I send a card, I wish for a happy and snowy Christmas
May your days be merry and bright
Wishing you a joyful and beautiful Christmas
And may all your Christmases be white
Hope every Christmas in your life be snowy and enchanting
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
May every Christmas you have resemble a white winter wonderland
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
Hope each Christmas would reflect the purity and innocence associated with white
And may all your Christmases be
Wishing you for a lifelong snowy Christmas celebration
(All your Christmases be white)
Hope that all your Christmases be filled with happiness and whiteness
(All your Christmases be white)
Wishing you for a lifetime of magical snowy Christmases
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jimdeyoung3849
One of the best Christmas albums of all time.
@jeffreystevens5137
The best!
@tinywalnut6337
💚
@tinywalnut6337
I grew up with this album. Absolutely one of my favorites then and now.
Much love to all who are listening along with me, wherever you are in the world.
@timgrant1796
Leon! Thanks for the great music. There should be millions of "likes" on this entire album. Hope you are well. Mele Kalikimaka!
@kylasworldview1
Thank you! I very much appreciate not only your magnificently pleasing voice, but also your lovely generosity. Thank you
@wyattsav
Was just asked what is my favorite Christmas song by a co worker, and this is it. My family has played this CD at Christmas for years. good times.
@marydilley9319
Perhaps my favorite Christmas Album 🎄
@toddvoss52
me too!
@theramblers255
best Xmas album ever! By far!