Leon Redbone March 21, 2007

While his gravelly baritone and omnipresent fedora, dark glasses and Groucho Marx moustache made him one of the more distinct and recognizable characters in popular music, little is known about the neo-vaudeville crooner Leon Redbone. Throughout his career, he steadfastly refused to divulge any information about his background or personal life. He was believed to be Canadian; his work, a revival of pre-World War II ragtime, jazz and blues sounds, recalled the work of performers ranging from Jelly Roll Morton and Bing Crosby to blackface star Emmett Miller. He made his recording debut in 1976 with "On the Track", which featured legendary jazz violinist Joe Venuti as well as singer/songwriter Don McLean. His 1977 follow-up "Double Time" even reached the U.S. Top 40 charts. Invariably, the rest of his albums featured guest appearances from a eclectic cast of luminaries: while 1987's "Christmas Island" included a cameo by Dr. John, 1994's "Whistling in the Wind" included duets with Ringo Starr and Merle Haggard.