Leon Redbone on The Tonight Show, with Tom Roberts on piano.

[@richdouglas2311]

I met Leon Redbone in Harvard Square on a Saturday night in 1979 or 1980. He was opening for Tom Waits in the Harvard Theater and I had a ticket for the show. I was in a bodega outside the theater, buying a few comic books (I was 19 or 20 at the time). Leon was in line behind me, buying some cigars (natch). He looked over and commented on my comic selection. We traded a quip or two and I said I'd see him inside. He told me he'd see me first. I've always liked to think that he did. Both Leon and Tom were amazing that night. I'm so privileged to have been there.

[@JasonPhelan49]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

[@rhysmeyrick615]

I flush will jealousy to the roots of my hair.

[@belabelasko8223]

Good for you. Amazing story.

[@dougwilson1927]

A dream concert! Cool story...thanks for sharing!!

[@mccloskeyjamie]

Beautiful performance. Beautiful talent. Just pure class. They way Leon could leave the door open for so many to hear these classic tunes is just a gift to us all.

[@snilloc52]

I am in morning, Leon brought back the music of our American grandparents and great grandparents. Music he proved is timeless. He was a master of guitar with a dapper style, whit and an entertaining personality in the bargin. I hope Louie A. was their to greet him and welcome him to the big jam session in the sky. With love and respect Godspeed.

[@malcolmdale9607]

I had a cassette tape (remember those?) of him some years ago - and I always thought he was black until KZbin came along and I could see him for the first time.

[@rhysmeyrick615]

He used to be known in a Toronto pool hall as ‘Mr Charles’, and invented a game called Bombay roulette.....What a fabulous erudite, sonorous,mystical, deeply harmonious,human being in a world of grasping bastards.

[@tomroberts3476]

So true on all counts!. Erudite and mystical!!!! He changed my life. He saved my life!

[@cheryladams9797]

❤He has a voice that soothes every worry or care.❤

[@judithmosley2630]

I’m so lucky to have seen him in person, long ago. He had on red socks!

[@vinando9568]

We miss you! 😘

[@debishelton9647]

Love his unique style/sound! :) Rest peacefully , now.

[@irgski]

Love Leon's little 'tip-o-the-hat' at the end of his sets. RIP Sir. Interesting note re not "preferring" taking airplanes ...in 1979, Mr. Redbone survived a plane crash in W.Virginia.

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

I've got my brother to thank for introducing me to Redbone

[@kirkstewart-vf6hg]

One of the greatest that ever sang the blues ..

[@gwendolynholland8220]

I met him at the Cats Cradle in Chapel Hill. Got autograph and picture of me and my sisters.

[@barbaraeffros4804]

I saw Leon Redbone in high school. I just discovered that you Tom Roberts is the fine pianist here! 🎶🎺🎶

[@micahdembo5140]

Amazing.

[@lotus0818]

Rest In Peace beautiful spirit!

[@ritaggn]

Thanks for this post. I love Leon Redbone and now I feel bereft because he's gone. R

[@orbison]

I remember buying a collection of SNL music performances on DVD. I initially bought it because of Paul Simon, but the other performer in the collection that stood out for me was Leon Redbone. Anytime I listen to his music, there is a special old fashioned yet timeless quality to him. That is why I don't even consider him gone. His music keeps him alive forever. On a side note, with the exception of Billy Dee Williams, there is no one else who can make me even enjoy watching a beer commerical (I don't drink)

[@rayrobinett8126]

RIP..❤

[@bjohnston3659]

Hard to believe this chap used to spend his idle hours shootin' pool in Toronto! He sounds strictly N'Orleans to me

[@steveleininger4090]

leon sweet

[@zgrad1]

I love how these old shows were paced. The act can play two songs and then have an awkward interaction with the host. Modern stuff is more choreographed and frantic

[@GR8FLMD3AD]

❤

[@jambonejim1249]

I only need a tiny bit of Jay Leno to remind me of how bad he was on The Tonight Show. Should have stuck to stand up, saw that act a few times, he's a funny fellow. Leon and band, which is why I watched this, were fabulous of course.

[@johnfenn]

An you please tell me who is playing dobro on this, is that Mike Auldridge?

[@Gminor7]

Definitely not Mike Auldridge

[@johnfenn]

@@Gminor7 Actually I think it is Jerry Douglas. I kinda didn't recognise him with such a full beard. Leon did make a great record with Cindy Cashdollar also, in fact her playing suited Leon better than Jerry's

[@timothyturner3396]

Definitely not Jerry Douglas or Mike Auldridge, but not sure who it is?

[@johnfenn]

Yes Cindy and Leon were a great team

[@SuperOlds88]

@@timothyturner3396 maybe its Leon McAuliffe, no wait Josh Graves.

[@califdad4]

He was in a small plane crash in 1979 and I guess gave up flying.

[@aggabus]

Ugly theme for a song

[@BrettLeMans]

"GUMBANDS" brought me here - thanks Rick Sebak & Tom Roberts @ WQED. ;)