Leon Bibb(February 7, 1922 – October 23, 2015) was an American-Canadianfolk singerand actor who grew up inKentucky,studied voice inNew York City,and worked onBroadway.His career began when he became a featured soloist of theLouisville Municipal Collegeglee clubas a student.[1]He lived inVancouver,British Columbia,Canada, after 1969.[2]
Leon Bibb | |
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Bibb in 1976. | |
Background information | |
Born | Louisville,Kentucky,U.S. | February 7, 1922
Died | October 23, 2015 Vancouver,British Columbia,Canada | (aged 93)
Genres | Folk music |
Occupation(s) | Musician, actor |
Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Bibb was born inLouisville,Kentucky and was one of the performers at the firstNewport Folk Festivalin 1959. He also had his own NBC television talk show.[2][3][4]During the late-1950s and early-1960s, Bibb was one of a number of American entertainers, such as his good friendPaul Robeson,who wereblacklistedfor alleged ties to left-wing groups and causes.[5]In 1963, Bibb traveled toMississippito joinDick Gregoryand others in the fight againstracial segregation in the United States.[6]
Despite that setback, Bibb continued to perform, and around 1963–64 he was featured singing on the national TV show,Hootenanny,onThe Ed Sullivan Showand performed withBill Cosbyon tours.[7][8]He also provided the soundtrack toLuis Buñuel's 1960 filmThe Young One.[9]He appeared on an episode ofSesame Streetin November 1970.[10]Hisa cappellavocals blend his classical, spiritual and blues influences.
In 2009, he was made a Member of theOrder of British Columbia.At the time of receiving this honour, Bibb was still an active performer.[7]
He died on October 23, 2015.[11]He is the father of the New York-basedacousticbluessinger/songwriterEric Bibb,[3]and grandfather of Swedish dancer and performerRennie Mirro.
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- Leon Bibb Sings Folk Songs(Vanguard, 1959)
- Tol' My Captain(Vanguard, 1960)
- Leon Bibb Sings Love Songs(Vanguard, 1960)
- Leon Bibb Sings(Columbia, 1961)
- Oh Freedom and Other Spirituals(Washington, 1962)
- Cherries & Plums(Liberty, 1964)
- The Now Composers(Phillips, 1967)
- Foment, Ferment, Free... Free(RCA, 1969)
- This Is Leon Bibb(RCA, 1970)
- Shenandoah(Leon Bibb Productions, 1997)
- Lift Every Voice And Sing(2003)
Live album
edit- Encore!(Liberty, 1963)
Collaborative albums
edit- The Skifflers:Goin' Down To Town(Epic, 1957)
- Leon & Eric Bibb:A Family Affair(Manhaton, 2002)
- Leon & Eric Bibb:Praising Peace: A Tribute To Paul Robeson(Stony Plain, 2006)
References
edit- ^"Compass Turns to Leon Bibb".Ottawa Citizen.August 14, 1965.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
- ^ab"Leon Bibb".The Canadian Encyclopedia of Music. Archived fromthe originalon February 4, 2013.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
- ^ab"Leon Bibb Rolls On".Edmonton Journal. September 29, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon December 22, 2015.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
- ^Wilson, Earl (September 11, 1967)."Buying Favorite Barber Own Shop Is a Mistake".St. Joseph Gazette.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
- ^"Eric Bibb Lives His Legacy".The Vancouver Province. April 13, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon January 19, 2013.RetrievedApril 14,2011.
- ^"Leon Bibb Joins Stars on 'Mississippi Front'".Washington Afro-American. April 23, 1963.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
- ^ab"Order of British Columbia Members".Order of British Columbia. 2009.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
- ^"Ad for Bill Cosby and Leon Bibb appearance".The Sun.August 1, 1968.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
- ^"The Young One".IMDb.
- ^Sesame Street Episode 134 (1970, Leon Bibb Sings About Trains),YouTube,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvxJFQsdVNE&t=670s
- ^"Vancouver legend Leon Bibb dies at age 93",Vancouver Sun,October 23, 2015
External links
edit- Record label biographyat theWayback Machine(archived March 12, 2007)
- Illustrated Leon Bibb discography
- Leon Bibbdiscography atDiscogs