Early SNL Musical Favorite Leon Redbone Dies at 69

Leon Redbone, the singer and songwriter best known for his old-school vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley-style music, passed away at 69.

Apart from his trombone-like voice and nostalgic Americana style of music, Redbone was known for appearing several times on early episodes of “Saturday Night Live.”

He was also a guest on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show,” gave voice to a snowman in Will Ferrel’s film “Elf,” and even sang the movie’s theme song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” next to Zooey Deschanel.

According to a statement released by his family on the man’s website, he died on early May 30. In a whimsical fashion similar to Redbone’s personality, they added that the man “crossed the delta for that beautiful shore at the age of 127.”

The singer recorded a total of 16 full-length albums between 1975 to 2016. In 2015, he retired and blamed his health. At the moment, the cause of his passing has not been revealed.

He is survived by his wife Beryl Handler, daughters Blake and Ashley, and three grandchildren.