Remembering Leon Redbone

Leon Redbone was born Dickran Gobalian on August 26, 1949 in Cyprus. That is what the official bio says. However, as we began our research to write this bio, we realized his background is a little sketchy. Upon further research we have uncovered that Leon Redbone was actually an altar ego of Frank Zappa.

Just think about it. The name alone points to Zappa. Dickran Gobalian!? That has Zappa written all over it. Leon looks just like Zappa wearing dark glasses and a hat. 

The theory is that in the 1970’s, Zappa developed this altar ego so he could perform the songs he loved without all the insanity and craziness. Zappa’s first love was American standards and Tin Pan Alley classics. 

On December 4, 1971, Zappa suffered his first of two serious setbacks. While performing in Montreux, Switzerland, his equipment was destroyed when a flare set off by an audience member started a fire that burned down the casino. A week after losing $50,000, Zappa was performing in London when a crazed fan pushed him off the stage and into the concrete-floored orchestra pit. The band thought Zappa had been killed—he had suffered serious fractures, head trauma and injuries to his back, leg, and neck, as well as a crushed larynx, which ultimately caused his voice to drop a third after healing.

Zappa Redbone

It was during this time-off that Leon Redbone was created. Zappa even enlisted Bob Dylan to promote Redbone during a Rolling Stone interview. Leon’s first album, On the Track, was released by Warner Bros. Records in 1975. Warner Brothers was Zappa’s label as well. Coincidence? We think not. 

Redbone went on to a successful career appearing on SNL, Johnny Carson and recorded 18 albums. He provided the voice for Leon the Snowman in the film ELF and performed the theme song for Mr Belvedere. Zappa also continued his own successful musical career in tandem. 

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