I first saw Leon Redbone on a SNL 70’s rerun doing a tune called “Harvest Moon”.  After hearing his voice, I knew I had heard it somewhere and that place was a cover of “Frosty The Snowman”.  I had to check out some of his work and it was wonderful if you like his sort of style.  Albums On the Track and Double Time showcased his unique style and blend of jazz, folk and blues standards.

Leon Redbone basically does a bunch of standards with the ragtime feel.  If you think of music that the Simpsons grandpa listens to, then you will get a sense of what his music sounds like.  His voice is so unique it is hard to describe, but the words gravel-throated baritone do come to mind.

Furthermore, there is little known about Leon Redbone’s personal life.  According to the liner notes, he described himself as “… born in Bombay during a monsoon and to be the offspring of Paganini”.  When asked to submit his biographical info, he supposedly sent a picture of Bob Dylan and called himself “Blind James Hocum”.  His looks only add to his mystery.  He looks like he walked straight out of the 20’s with a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and a mustache.