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
Bibb in 1976.
Bibb in 1976.
Background information
Born(1922-02-07)February 7, 1922
Louisville,Kentucky,U.S.
DiedOctober 23, 2015(2015-10-23)(aged 93)
Vancouver,British Columbia,Canada
GenresFolk 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

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Studio albums

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  • 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

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  • Encore!(Liberty, 1963)

Collaborative albums

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  • 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

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  1. ^"Compass Turns to Leon Bibb".Ottawa Citizen.August 14, 1965.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
  2. ^ab"Leon Bibb".The Canadian Encyclopedia of Music. Archived fromthe originalon February 4, 2013.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
  3. ^ab"Leon Bibb Rolls On".Edmonton Journal. September 29, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon December 22, 2015.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
  4. ^Wilson, Earl (September 11, 1967)."Buying Favorite Barber Own Shop Is a Mistake".St. Joseph Gazette.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
  5. ^"Eric Bibb Lives His Legacy".The Vancouver Province. April 13, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon January 19, 2013.RetrievedApril 14,2011.
  6. ^"Leon Bibb Joins Stars on 'Mississippi Front'".Washington Afro-American. April 23, 1963.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
  7. ^ab"Order of British Columbia Members".Order of British Columbia. 2009.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
  8. ^"Ad for Bill Cosby and Leon Bibb appearance".The Sun.August 1, 1968.RetrievedApril 14,2012.
  9. ^"The Young One".IMDb.
  10. ^Sesame Street Episode 134 (1970, Leon Bibb Sings About Trains),YouTube,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvxJFQsdVNE&t=670s
  11. ^"Vancouver legend Leon Bibb dies at age 93",Vancouver Sun,October 23, 2015
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