Who was Dickran Gobalian known as professionally?

Leon Redbone, born Dickran Gobalian (August 26, 1949 – May 30, 2019), was a distinctive singer-songwriter and musician known for his interpretations of jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley classics. With his signature look—often a Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and black tie—Redbone cultivated an air of mystery and old-world charm. Born in Cyprus to Armenian parents, he began performing in Toronto, Canada, in the early 1970s.

Redbone released 18 albums over his career, beginning with his 1975 debut, "On the Track". Like many of his records, it featured a carefully curated selection of songs by legendary artists such as Jimmie Rodgers (“Sweet Mama Hurry Home or I’ll Be Gone”), Fats Waller (“Ain’t Misbehavin’”), and Irving Berlin (“My Walking Stick”), as well as traditional standards like “Polly Wolly Doodle.” His laconic baritone voice and finger-picked acoustic guitar gave these songs a timeless, whimsical quality.

In addition to his music career, Redbone made appearances on film and television, including guest spots on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson". He performed the theme song for the 1980s television series "Mr. Belvedere", and voiced 'Leon the Snowman' in the 2003 holiday film "Elf", also singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Zooey Deschanel during the end credits.

Leon Redbone passed away in 2019 due to complications related to dementia.