Leon Redbone - Walking Stick (Live at the 1973 Buffalo Folk Festival)

[@magatow1906]

Many don't know this about Leon Redbone: by the time he was 25, he was already a quarter of a century old.

[@BlazeControl]

HA HA! Love it!

[@baskervillebee6097]

@@magatow1906 Truth

[@jamiepastman5594]

I love what Dylan said, "he's somewhere between 25 and 70, nobody really knows." What a great he was, and the older I get, the more I love it. RIP sir

[@baskervillebee6097]

I maintain that he was found tucked away in an old lady's attic in New Orleans.

[@dirttyclean]

​@@baskervillebee6097New Jerk 💩💩💩 got a way 😏

[@marcgrenier9431]

Hear, hear. I concur!

[@jamiepastman5594]

@@baskervillebee6097 exactly. he probably smelled like mothballs a little bit

[@baskervillebee6097]

@@jamiepastman5594 I always thought a little old lady in New Orleans discovered him while cleaning put her attic.

[@Luspenchief]

Saw Leon in 90 or 91 at Ella Guru's in Knoxville. I was 16 or 17, and it changed my life. I got to meet him in the green room after the show, thank to my uncle, and i got an autograph. it read, "Have a drink on me!" and he drew a martini glass. then signed his name. my favorite thing in this life

[@traines51]

My wife and I were at that show! Amazing entertainer at a venue that we really miss. I also saw him at the UT music school auditorium a few years earlier.

[@joelwexler]

I met him in a little green room in Philly at TLA around 1987. It was more a storeroom with piles of boxes. Just my friend, the bad comic who opened for him and Leon. The comic said "I'm the guy who opened for you". Leon drawled, "I feel for ya". I don't remember what dumb stuff I said but I remember it was pleasant. I also met Richard Manuel in the same room. He was friendly but jittery. It was about 3 months before he died. I made a joke about the nice accommodations, he also had a drawl, and said real slowly "yeah, real posh". So a memorable quip from both.

[@edwardleroy7648]

Some of the simple pleasures of life were not illegal at the time this was written.

[@marSLaZZ66]

This man was the definition of cool !

[@jaburchfield7194]

Goodbye Mr. Redbone, You were ahead and behind your time. Rest in peace.

[@GlennIGHH]

3errf rt c i

[@zulumoonshine]

Your comment nailed it!

[@ollietsb1704]

Ahead AND behind the times... and I don't know which I thank him more.

[@jaysilverheals4445]

he was buried with a 50 gallon drum of whiskey because he was sloshed his entire life

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

@@jaysilverheals4445 Sloshed??? Not likely. He was one of a very few who could play with such apparent ease. Saw him in Vancouver back when and was totally blown away at his guitar virtuosity.

[@larrysmith1568]

Leon was 70 yrs old the day he was born. What a talent. You just have to listen.

[@gudgengrebe]

😂😂😂

[@FritoBuggers]

Leon had an old soul.

[@karlfisher1864]

The mystery of Leon Redbone cannot be explained. He sings lost songs from the '20 and '30s and he is a smash! Got to love the man. K

[@rapman5791]

Tiny Tim did the same thing!! Both American treasures! 🇺🇸

[@themannydanny]

Who was more relaxed than Leon Redbone?

[@GreenManalishiUSA]

I remember when Leon Redbone first appeared on Saturday Night Live. I was a teenager and mostly into loud,.clang-bang rock and roll. Then Leon appeared on the screen looking and sounding as if he had just stepped out of a 78 RPM record, and I thought, "Who IS this guy?". I couldn't tell whether he was a musical guest, or part of a comedy sketch. Later on, my English teacher told me that she had seen him live, and that I should do the same if I have the chance. I finally did see him in concert - a few times - and I was amazed by his combination of musicianship and showmanship. The guy was absolutely brilliant, and definitely one of a kind.

[@TexasPLNR]

Had the privilege to see him perform this song live at a New Orleans nightclub. He brought the house down and I've been a fan since.

[@modoc852]

What an quirky work of art and I’m glad to have lived during his time on earth.

[@senatorsable]

I was a typical goofy long haired rock n roll 18 yr old who was dragged along to the beautiful outdoor Forum amphitheatre on Toronto island..the stage was this big round turntable which slowly moved so everybody gets to have perfect seating as it comes your way.. .anyway this dude I never heard of walks out with guitar and a bit of Zappa mustache and shades and pretty cool hat... The stage made 2 complete rotations in the 2 hr show .. And I have never forgotten about Leon Redbone and he's delightful songs sang with such style..and he's guitar playing... He's songs have stayed with me and I know that he's passing has sadden me and many more

[@magsy21]

Mr. Redbone, we hardly knew ye. But man. You made us love you. Thanks for everything. RIP.

[@gudgengrebe]

That was fantastic .. and the clarinet player was truly soulful as well!

[@Bill5071]

I guess we have to guess who he was.

[@williamtruscott9656]

The world is a bit quieter and sadder without you

[@bjohnston3659]

I imagine Irving Berlin would be delighted, especially with the licorice stick!

[@lawrencelewis2592]

I saw him at the Lenox Arts Center in Lenox, MA in the 1970s, maybe 1975? Been a fan ever since. There was busker on the street where I live who sounded a lot like him- I gave him five bucks and said, "Great music, Leon." He appreciated that.

[@NetCerpher]

Adios Sr. Redbone. I used to try to explain what you did but my age group wouldn't listen UNTIL you hit SNL. Then the found you campy and cool. Never got to see you with Dr. John on the same stage. My loss. Then the two of you left us in the same week. Should have seen that coming. Best show I remember was at the Birchmere in Virginia maybe in '98. Good night sir.

[@rabokarabekian409]

Anybody else remember Leon Redbone TV Commercials?

[@JamesKerros]

This Bud"s for you! 🍺

[@touco9077]

I believe he did commercials for Oscar Meyer, way back when

[@UKISOCIETY]

Leon was one of the main reasons I started preforming. God bless his memory.

[@lonnahunter3388]

He would have been 24 years old when this was filmed !!! A unique entertainer !!! RIP Mr.Redbone

[@roscoefoofoo]

Nope. About 35. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Redbone. Then again, as Mr. Dylan said, he was his own sense of time old.

[@andthatsthewayitis4173]

I grew up listening to Leon. Indi an impression of him singing Champaign Charlie, my favorite song of his. I love his style, a style of more simpler times. Picnics in the park on Sunday afternoons. R.I.P. Leon

[@hootinouts]

He was a marvelous entertainer. So glad I had the opportunity to see him live at the height of his career.

[@kirkstewart-vf6hg]

A absolute treasure so thankful we had him sing for all of us!

[@PicRic]

What a delightful new find for me. Made the playlist in one.

[@jamesscudder8841]

I have goose bumps. you must admit that clarinet player was incredible.

[@tonisumner-beebe4265]

He always had the best musicians with him!

[@richardbrucemusic]

That might be Dan Levinson.

[@schrodingerszombie2401]

@@richardbrucemusic Ken Peplowski

[@folkfaces1324]

@@richardbrucemusic his name is Brian "Dr. Jazz" Bauer

[@folkfaces1324]

@@schrodingerszombie2401 nope Brian "Dr. Jazz" Bauer...tylerwestcottdrjazz.bandcamp.com/

[@treywest268]

Absolute pure Magic happening here! Just perfect!!!

[@theclarkey100]

Having heard ANY song done by Leon Redbone, that immediately becomes the definitive version for me. So long Leon.

[@violetxoxox]

Same. Every song he sang instantly felt like the only way they even COULD be sung. Pure magic. 💫

[@ichaukan]

I've been playing clarinet for over 25 years and this blows my damn mind.

[@iratemormon6183]

I didn't know it could be played like that...the clarinet version of Michael Hedges.

[@ichaukan]

@@thejazzassignment I think I need to buy a few large packs of #2 reeds to practice that. I can see wrecking quite a few that way. xD

[@folkfaces1324]

Recent recordings with this clarinetist .. tylerwestcottdrjazz.bandcamp.com/

[@karlfisher1864]

As a scientist, I must say that this is impossible! K

[@mario7frankielee]

@@karlfisher1864 ❤ you said it❤

[@ddzyne]

23 at the time this was recorded. Unbelievable. Love.

[@Talldude88]

I was 20... RIP Leon Redbone. Thanks for entertaining us all.

[@angelthman1659]

I was a teen when I watched him on SNL in the 70s, and I thought he was old. Never realized how young he was.

[@poohbearsauntie]

angelthman ~ ‘Me To A Tee..’

[@slappinbillyb309]

It’s a privilege and honer to be the keeper of that ole vagabond guitar Leon is playing here.

[@buzzfledderjohn7782]

Leon Redbone was and is always something else. He sings like yesterday, but tends to sound like a guy singing a cover from a lazy southern tomorrow.

[@epiphonium]

me so confuze

[@harleygould7255]

Leon Redbone.... A musical genre all on his own, a true southern gentleman with a true southern bourbon voice, that flows like a Tennessee Williams play.

[@dennis3065]

@@harleygould7255 Leon Redbone's real name was Dickran Gobalian. He was born in Cyprus, officially called the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean.

[@Reyajh]

@@harleygould7255 2 of the best comments ever right there.., @buzz fledderjohn & Harley Gould 😎

[@gregpennell3982]

Thanks for more than 40 years of my favorite entertainment. Your your unique sounds and style won't be forgotten thanks to your recordings and KZbin. Seeing you live was always a treat. Rest peacefully, Leon.

[@jmartin9785]

Great, in the deepest sense of the word. The clarinetist walks on water. At times , couldn't tell if it was Leon or the clarinet.. Knocks my dobber into the dirt! RIP Leon, no one can take your place!

[@mauicountygis5450]

Clarinet dude deserves a credit here for sure.

[@Vaga365]

It was always a special treat to catch him on SNL in the early days.

[@bindig1]

How True Duane. The old SNL shows were the first time I saw Leon. Was immediately hooked

[@harleygould7255]

I think the first time I saw him was on an old show called "The Midnight Special". came on at midnight, saturday nights.... But I remember him from SNL, as well. I thought he was a lot older, myself. I'm only 8 years younger than him....

[@davidstewart3805]

Oh I remember those special days. I used to give my friends a laugh because I knew most of his songs and sang them out loud in public. They were embarrassed but had a good time.

[@ray.pittssongwriter6544]

I am the same age as Leon Redbone, and used to listen to him on late night FM radio when FM radio was cool and miles away from AM radio . .I was probably 18 or 19 .. I'm guessing there but I know we were both young .. I had been writing songs since I was 16 years old and thought this guy is so great .. still do!!

[@michaelbarlow6610]

I love the way Leon Redbone would allow the supporting instrument players to have their moments to shine during his performances!

[@7windhills78]

Thank you, Mr. Redbone.

[@williamcagle3951]

The jam session in heaven just got a lot better. RIP

[@Jadeserphant]

Leon’s vocal range……..and when the clarinet got “dirty”. How on earth did I miss this gem? Thanks!

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

He was a one of guy they broke the mold when they made him. He totally is the boss.

[@earlyrisersteph]

Rest in Peace Mr. Redbone! Leave your hat on when you get to the pearly gates. Dang, helluva band

[@southtxblues]

I play his Christmas Island CD every year while we open presents.

[@FunkyMarcel]

24 years old here -looks 64..love this guy

[@haysfordays]

How is he 24??? Wow... Amazing!

[@francie2915]

At my moment of death please play this for my soul’s transport to a higher and better world .

[@larryzackeroff9889]

LEON IS THE ONLY ARTIST ON MY FUNERAL PLAY LIST. WHAT A WAY TO GO.

[@mariozermeno2649]

Leon greatest entertainer ever and the clarinet player just phenomenal wow!

[@richardzuelch375]

Leon Redbone (1949-2019), one of the greats. Eccentric, but talented. RIP.

[@patrickmonteith4404]

Farewell, Leon. An entertainer like you never dies.

[@MauriceCobb]

Had the pleasure to see him live a few years back in San Francisco. Left me speechless.

[@DavidRice111]

I miss ol' Leon- keep on truckin' dude!

[@TheNeeenha]

I can't explain why I love this man so damn much..... just do

[@mark1952able]

don't need drugs to relax listening to Leon...............Amazing

[@jesseriley6669]

mark1952able well I mean...

[@bobseverin6774]

I am sad to the Bone. He brought me many a smile. The clear definition of mellow and laid back. Can't get any better, ever.

[@RaiRaiBrown]

I never heard of him prior to reading Rolling Stone's recent article about his death. I love his music I wish I knew of him sooner he's amazing!

[@sbdreamin]

RaiRaiBrown same here, I just ran across this video on my feed and I’m hooked.

[@suzphillips8162]

Feel free to stop by the Leon Redbone fan club page on FB. We's be happy to have you!

[@_1ben]

thank you for posting

[@jimrite]

One of my all-time favorite performers; great musician and showman and a savy businessman and promoter as well. His music will live on.

[@suzphillips8162]

Feel free to stop by the Leon Redbone fan club page on FB. We's be happy to have you!

[@CaptainHandlebar]

I met him when he played at the theater I worked at!!! Super cool guy!

[@councilhillband]

I always thought Leon was much older than I...turns out he was 4 years younger. Great artist!

[@kidtronic]

127

[@zprince4120]

I wish this kept going. Champagne Charlie and Walkingstick are 2 of my favorites. I'm so glad that I got to see him at the German House in Rochester before he died he was better live than I could have ever imagined.

[@johnmoncure1]

Farewell Leon-you were one of a kind-127 years well lived-JM

[@LambieSamba]

lol

[@TheSheetslitter]

Leon never fails to entertain! I have always loved his music. I bought the Champagne Charlie album when I was a kid. Thanks for the decades of great- fun music!

[@michaelwertzy9808]

Christmas Island is properly sweet! Love the man!

[@armcd_de_kd6arm]

Leon: We will miss you and your music. A mystery man 'till the end. Seeing you in concert was a trip in time. RIP sir.

[@DonaCavanagh]

I was at this 1973 Buffalo Folk Festival. I was a SUNY nursing student then. We had a coffee house every week and annual Festival.

[@bobgraff1796]

I saw Leon at Clark gym, but I think it was later than 73’. Did he come back to UB?

[@margueritehudsell4454]

I first heard Redbone in my early 20's. I was immediately hooked. Who is this Man with a Voice? I must have him immediately! I ran out and bought 3 maybe 4 albums simultaneously. You brought much happiness. R.I.P.

[@djgrafite3537]

The Man Truly Transcended Time and Space,

[@DavidRice111]

(trying too hard...)

[@Forevertrue]

Good Bless you Leon. So cool fellow babies, he was righteous in his talent. We lost a great one today. So cool!

[@mrdinx]

A true showman. SNL made him a legend.

[@melodyjordan6052]

I loved him so much. What an awesome voice!!!

[@sherrirushing6794]

Amazing Artist, will always be timeless! R.I.P. Always Sir❗

[@michaelsmith-qm4ec]

We LOVE + ❤Honor This Groovy Gentleman Of the Blues- Harp Wailing In The Skys Of Joy

[@michaellawrence2762]

Awesome,Unique talent . Miss you Leon

[@1435682]

Takes one to a time in the 1930s inside of a boxcar, doors wide open as it travels through the open prairies of the plains in the farmlands of Kansas and heading to no particular destination.

[@Cl3moh]

I had no idea Gary Oldman was such a great clarinet player! Love you and miss you Leon ❤️❤️

[@scotttaylor8811]

Gary would have been 13.

[@taraspringmusic1277]

RIP Leon Redbone..............You went places nobody else dared...

[@greeneyes2256]

We saw Leon with Leo Kottke at the Paramount theater in 1975. Great concert in a great venue.

[@edtaublieb7148]

My wife and I were there. Thanks for posting!

[@slappinbillyb309]

Ed Taublieb Two things, I love Buffalo,NY and I own this guitar that Leon is playing. Amazing you were there !

[@patearly9492]

Fantastic performer! God bless Lyon and everyone

[@NickRyderSGC]

I grew up listening to him in the early 80s - my dad's name was Leon too so naturally he got interested in him just because of the name but we both loved his music - shocking that he was so young - only about 4 years older than my dad apparently - thought he was much older! What a talent. RIP Leon... you've given us all the laughin' blues...

[@hmagellanlinux307]

I had never heard of this guy until I read about his death just now. He's great. RIP Mr Redbone, you sure seem like you were a cool character.

[@karenina56]

My favorite song of yours, Leon. Sorry you're gone so young, and thanks for the tunes. Loved every minute. RIP.

[@IgnacioPerezVizzon]

So cool , thanks

[@chip7819]

I remember watching him on tv when I was young. Just wish I appreciated him then like I do now.RIP Leon

[@acrean]

I was lucky enough to see him in Key West in the late 90s. Always loved him!

[@raepaul8158]

The first time I heard him he was on the radio doing a song called lazy bones, and I immediately became a fan

[@MarcCardwell]

I first saw him playing on SNL in the 70s. I was maybe 12, and I was mystified by him. Luck to have seen him play live a few times.

[@messypotamia]

Exactly! Same! Then some time later he & Dr John did "Frosty the Snowman" on SNL ❤️

[@MarcCardwell]

we’re you able to see him live? such a great showman too.

[@utetrahemicon]

I like the song and the guy playing the licorice stick.

[@BeaHall]

RIP. Thanks for the music.

[@matt0laughed]

This is an incredible performance all around. Rest in Peace Leon. I'll be learning some of your songs soon!

[@christopherbright1048]

Whats curious is that i first saw him on SNL years ago & just fell in love with his style & the music 1 of akind

[@paulyoda4576]

Wow The 1970s was the Best Decade for Music

[@brianweber6112]

paul yoda Hell yes

[@mcsedvet]

A truely amazin talent!! So unique & timeless!!! You'll be missed Mr. Redbone!!! You're music was heads & shoulders above the rest. Even the big names wanted to know him. Goodbye sir.

[@leehyde6610]

Saw him live in Portland OR...still have 3d color memory

[@MsMiika13]

One of a kind. Lives on with his particular sound and personality. Missed too soon.

[@larrynapier5003]

Thank You for your time and memories,that Wild Turkey kept us talking all night! Praying you are okay!

[@masondr]

RIP to my greatest "I wish I was him..." Truly, he kept me alive for decades... I'm gonna always be talking about you when you're gone...

[@rightfromleft6071]

Think of the era in which this was performed. Glitter rock, disco, platform shoes, polyester leisure suits and those two brilliant artist had zero F's to give about that whole mess.

[@samsmith4216]

this was '73. Disco wasn't happening till about 76'. Glitter Rock yes... Country Rock yes... Classic Rock yes... R&B yes... Disco no

[@krisscanlon4051]

@@samsmith4216 on the contrary Puerto Rican clubs played Latin disco music and Young Americans by Bowie from '74 was a tribute to this scene.

[@markharris5771]

I think it’s wonderful that’s he's retired, it adds a little more to his mystique and I can imagine is only ever wants to perform at his peak. Luckily we have all these wonderful videos and his music is still for sale. I’m also glad that I can leave a message for someone who is still with us (as if he will read it, far too cool for that). Thank you Mr Redbone, you gave us real music with such wonderful laid back talent. You entertained us with music, humour and style, you were unique and you will always be unique. EDIT 02/06/2019 I wrote the above 2 days before Leon left us. My gratitude is intensified many times over, but now it’s tinged with great sorrow! RIP, Mr Redbone, the angles are in for one heck of great night being entertained by your amazing talent.

[@madeleinebelle2105]

Only just heard of this man, on the Radio...as there is very little information on him I'm pleased to have viewed this ... thank you. He let his talent do the 'talking'...accompanied by an equally gifted clarinet player.

[@lemwezzer63]

Sadness is not strong enough to express the pain in my Hart.