Leon Redbone: My Walking Stick

It’s funky Friday! Continuing my focus on the music of 1975, today’s selection is not a song that one would immediately think of as funk. However, Leon Redbone had funk in his soul, no matter what style of music he was performing, and his unique version of the blues sounds funky even if it isn’t presented with traditional drums and horns to drive the funk home. Coincidentally, I have recently been watching the first season of Saturday Night Live, which coincides nicely with my focus on the music of 1975. One of the most memorable musical moments of that first season was the introduction of Leon Redbone to the nation. His performance of two songs from his 1975 debut album On the Track occurred on February 28, 1976. Sitting on a stool with an old guitar, he sang two wonderful tin pan alley songs (one solo and one with a tuba player). They have always been two of my favorite SNL musical moments of all time.

If you are interested in other years, check out my Year in Review series.

To listen to all of the songs of the day, check out the Radio Faux Show Song of the Day playlist.

• Best of 1975