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.
Winter Wonderland
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song as we go along
In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say are you married
We'll so no man,
But you can do the job when you're in town
Later on we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid
The plans that we made
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Leon Redbone's rendition of the classic song "Winter Wonderland" is a beautiful and lively piece that captures the enchantment of winter perfectly. The song begins with the merriment of sleigh bells ringing, and snow glistening in the lane, creating a breathtaking scene. The first verse of the song is an invitation to join the singer on a winter walk where the heavy snow soothes us, and the beauty of the scene makes us happy.
The second verse is an ode to the changing of the seasons. In the winter, the bluebird has gone away, and a new bird, singing a love song, has taken its place. The singer walks through the winter wonderland hand-in-hand with a loved one, making new memories in the midst of the snow-covered landscape. In the meadow, we can build a snowman and pretend it is Parson Brown, who asks if we are married. We reply in jest that we are not but that he can perform the ceremony when he comes to town. As the night sets in, the couple sits by the fire, dreaming and planning for the future, unafraid of what the future holds.
Overall, "Winter Wonderland" is a joyful and playful song that reminds us of the frosty and magical qualities of winter. It is a beautiful melody that is perfect for listening while roasting marshmallows or cozied up in front of the fire with family and friends.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
The sound of holiday sleigh bells can be heard, are you paying attention?
In the lane, snow is glistening
The snow on the ground sparkles and shines in the light.
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
The winter landscape is a gorgeous view, causing us to feel joyful and content.
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
We're taking a walk and thoroughly enjoying the breathtaking winter scenery.
Gone away is the bluebird
The bluebird of happiness has left us for now.
Here to stay is a new bird
A new bird has arrived and taken the bluebird's place as a bearer of joy.
He sings a love song as we go along
The new bird serenades us as we continue our walk.
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
We're still walking and savoring the winter landscape.
In the meadow we can build a snowman
We've come to a meadow and can use the snow to craft a frosty friend.
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
We use our imagination to envision the snowman as a minister named Parson Brown.
He'll say are you married
The snowman will pretend to inquire if we have found a spouse.
We'll so no man,
We answer the snowman with a playful response, as we haven't yet gotten married.
But you can do the job when you're in town
We suggest to the snowman that when he's in our area again, he can act as a wedding officiant.
Later on we'll conspire
As the night grows darker and we sit by the fire, we'll make secret plans.
As we dream by the fire
As we relax in front of the fire, our minds wander and we begin to daydream.
To face unafraid
We'll be brave and handle them fearlessly.
The plans that we made
The plans we came up with earlier in the night.
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
As we head to bed, we reflect on the lovely winter walk we took earlier in the day.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Richard B. Smith, Felix Bernard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@haloeffect44
RIP Leon!!
@denicesanders4586
Miss you Mr. Redbone. What a voice!
@kimmolingonheimo
I faintly recall walkin in Stockholm heading for the big bridge, butt on the right hand side there was a record store which ad 3 Leons! luv, Kimmo😀🎶🎶
@lesteram
RIP Mr. Redbone loved ya
@sharonpoitra193
Wonderful legacy! His music so out there bold, yet he passed so quietly, it was reported.
@rishardlampese8947
One of my most favorite Christmas albums ever and always! No one does it like Leon. He makes the simplest traditional musical arrangements work like no one else. A joy to listen to!
@brianwoods2395
I'm with you there Richard......if not the best .... Frosty the snowman with Dr John. ...Christmas magic.
@trudyspflugerville6847
Rishard Lampese p
@333ivan333
And of course Merry Christmas!
@333ivan333
Thank you for the channel! He was unforgettable; to think we almost lost him years before in a plane crash. RIP Mr. Redbone, you've earned your glory, and now you can play in a much better place.