Hard to say, Sumi. From allmusic:

While his gravelly baritone and omnipresent fedora, dark glasses and Groucho Marx moustache made him one of the more distinct and recognizable characters in popular music, little is known about the neo-vaudeville crooner Leon Redbone. Throughout his career, he steadfastly refused to divulge any information about his background or personal life; according to legend, Redbone's desire to protect his privacy was so intense that when he was approached by the famed producer John Hammond, the contact number he gave was not his own phone, but that of a Dial-A-Joke service.

All Music Guide:

While his gravelly baritone and omnipresent fedora, dark glasses and Groucho Marx moustache made him one of the more distinct and recognizable characters in popular music, little is known about the neo-vaudeville crooner

Leon Redbone. Throughout his career, he steadfastly refused to divulge any information about his background or personal life; according to legend, Redbone's desire to protect his privacy was so intense that when he was approached by the famed producer John Hammond, the contact number he gave was not his own phone, but that of a Dial-A-Joke service.

Because Redbone first emerged as a performer in Toronto during the 1970s, he was believed to be Canadian; his work, a revival of pre-World War II ragtime, jazz and blues sounds, recalled the work of performers ranging from Jelly Roll Morton and Bing Crosby to blackface star Emmett Miller. He made his recording debut in 1976 with On the Track, which featured legendary jazz violinist Joe Venuti as well as singer/songwriter Don McLean; his 1977 follow-up Double Time even reached the U.S. Top 40 charts, largely on the strength of his frequent appearances on television's "Saturday Night Live."

Which I recall vividly. He was such a unique performer.

ETA: X-Posty, but true.

Is that a stage name?

Well, there was a rumor for years that Leon was really Frank Zappa pulling a secret identity, but that's only because they did kinda look alike. I think Leon's still around, so that SHOULD put those rumors to rest, unless Frank's pulling an Elvis.

Which doesn't answer your question, I realize.

Huh. For some reason I thought (assumed) he was from New Orleans.

His Christmas album is one of the few straightforward holiday albums I can bear to listen to.

And now I'm earwormed.

On Christmas Iiiiiiiii-laaaand...

The Hawaiian word haole literally means without breath, without life. Cuz, you know, pale. But the usage of haole these days is very complex - it can be all over the map on connotation. Sometimes it's used derogatorily, most times it's just a statement of fact.

All my siblings married non-Japanese (except for my bro's second wife), so all my nieces and nephews are mixed. Hapa. Although I think the four girls that are Japanese/Hawaiian/Chinese just say all that when they are asked to describe themselves.

My nephew's email is jigboy, for Japanese/Irish/German. Also, way taller than my sister - ha!

Sometimes it's used derogatorily, most times it's just a statement of fact.

My Hawaain (of Japanese heritage) Bronzer friend uses it factually, but has noted the same thing.

Wrong thread, btw, not deleted response.

Then again, there is a lot of racism directed towards the villages up there.

There were a few incidents with paintballs a few years ago. The incidents were bad, but they have had the positive impact of making a lot of people aware of the issues. There is now a dialog that at least I (as a white urban Alaskan who is somewhat involved in racism/social justice issues) find positive. I think it's getting better.

Also, the current budget issues are, I think, making urban Alaskans more aware of the issues that face bush Alaskans. Of course, I may be biased because so many of my friends and colleagues are in or from the bush. It certainly is true that many in urban areas just complain because they don't think that they get enough of the money. I think you'll find that everywhere when money is involved though!

Sorry, libkitty. I should have said 'was'. I truly didn't recognize how prevalent the prejudice was until I went to live Outside and only came home to visit. Now that I don't even go socialize when I'm up there, I'm completely out of touch.

I think it's getting better.

This is good to hear.