A Panama hat, dark sunglasses and a black tie - the symbols of singer/songwriter, Leon Redbone. The Cypriot-American died this morning according to his family in a whimsical notice on social media.
The humorous official death notice says Redbone was 127, in all actuality he was only 69. No official cause of death is listed.
Though his jazz, tin pan alley-style music wasn't a constant on radio, he had a loyal following and became one of America's most unlikeliest stars. He was a musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" - twice in the show's inaugural season 1975-76. He was also a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. His popularity continued in the 1980's when he sang the theme songs for the television shows "Mr. Belvedere" and "Harry and the Hendersons." Audiences today are more familiar with his voice thanks to the holiday classic "Elf." Redbone duets with actress Zoey Deschanel on the track "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
In addition to being featured on soundtracks and performing on television, Redbone released 16 full-length albums beginning with his 1975 debut "On the Track" and wrapping up in 2014 with "Flying by." He also was featured in a number of commercials for various products including Budweiser and Purina's Burger 'n' Bones dog food.
in 2015, Redbone announced his retirement from music due to health concerns. Later that year, his record company, Third Man Records, released na double-album compilation, "The Long Way Home."