I am blown away!! The Tokens "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" Reaction | Asia and BJ

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[@stephenbaker1362]

I got to see the lead singer perform this a couple of years ago. He still has the voice at near 80 years of age.

[@glassontherocks]

I heard this when it was played on my Dad's old radio back in the early fifties. I just saw their latest performance on the net. Fantastic. They still got it all...

[@gofanman8455]

You lucky

[@ziggy481]

I think he’s dead now tho…

[@rogerdavenport9618]

I agree saw them live about 10 years ago sounded amazing

[@jennifursun3303]

a lot of the older singers from that era kept their voice really well

[@leannmiller7153]

The original song, Mbube, was written in 1939 by Solomon Linda in the Zulu language ❤️❤️❤️

[@jackmandu]

I think it first recorded, not written, by Mr. Linda. I believe it was a traditional song that had been around a long time.

[@Dee-JayW]

@@jackmandu Yes, an old traditional song mothers sang to their children as lullaby.

[@stevensprunger3422]

Yes the original song like you mention’s origin is so beautiful so is this version but there’s been a lot of covers their original version is fantastic

[@onetruthmediacompany]

Yes it was part of a re-told fabled story told for hundreds and hundreds of years across a huge number of generations. As equivalent & prevalent as the story 'Jack and the Beanstalk' just not written, only kept alive by being told to the children of the children's, children's, childrens.

[@lorireed5291]

I had no idea! ❤❤❤

[@barrycohen311]

African folk song. Written by Solomon Linda in the Zulu language. Someone translated into English, and it became a hit in America. Tokens nailed it, in any case.

[@edprzydatek8398]

First recorded in America by Pete Seeger.

[@Cuffsmaster]

I am 74 years old and never knew it was from Africa until I was about 70 years old.

[@aaronbredon2948]

And it became a big lawsuit over copyright as the american record company didn't recognize the writer's copyright.

[@jonlenihan4798]

@@aaronbredon2948 Not true. First, the Solomon Linda version did not include the narrative lyrics. It was the chorus, only. Second, Linda sold the copyright to a South African music publisher, who sold it to an American music publisher. All perfectly legal. When "The Lion King" was released, there was a media campaign about Poor Ignant Africans versus the Evil White Peoples. Disney chose to give a pile of money to Solomon Lindas heirs. They bought homes, cars, education, and moved into the middle class. Disney avoided being burned for a "crime" that was no crime, and concerned events that occurred sixty years earlier in Africa.

[@thomasvest7111]

Off the charts power vocals from lead singer Jay Siegel and superb background harmony on this #1 US Billboard hit from 1961. The Tokens absolutely killed this one with their unique sound. The outstanding soprano you hear in the background is a opera singer named Anita Darian, brought in by the group for this recording. Jay could still belt it out several decades later-still sounded the same.

[@Paldasan]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@lolitafoster6388]

❤

[@lolitafoster6388]

My sister play a 12 string gratar and still sings this in different places.❤

[@hippyakapat7907]

Opera singer Anita Darien was brought in for the soprano during and after the sax solo. Her voice almost sounds like an instrument on the record.

[@sassymess7111]

I never knew who that was singing! Thank you!

[@DTavona]

The female soprano was uncredited, but her name was Anita Darian, and she worked in a variety of music genres. She studied opera at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and the Juilliard School in New York, and sadly passed in 2015.

[@harrycarrey5124]

Nice bit of information

[@sananto6896]

The female singer on this song doesn't get enough credit. She totally dominates with her lovely high pitch vocals.

[@brgilbert2]

Huh!! What female singer?

[@josiahwashington2530]

@@brgilbert2she was Armenian

[@josiahwashington2530]

@@brgilbert2forgot her name

[@brgilbert2]

@@josiahwashington2530 I should have expanded my question. I have this record or my brother and I do on a ["45 rpm"]. We are that old. The Tokens are all male singers and as of this post, this is their only hit record. Maybe you are referring to the voice in the background. Maybe I'll do a little research.

[@josiahwashington2530]

@@brgilbert2 I could be wrong. I’ll do some too

[@kenpatton8761]

Now that you’re listened to the recording, there’s a video of these guys performing live , looks like they’re in their late 60’s or 70’s. Lead singer can still hit the notes…they still sound the same. AMAZING!!

[@josephpowell3949]

This was such a big hit back in the day and it made big come back in the 70s!

[@rogerdavenport9618]

Robert John did a great remake.

[@pattyduke3079]

I first heard this song from the 70s version.

[@deanakeefer1798]

All natural vocals.

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

Always liked the Ladysmith Black Mambazo & The Mint Juleps version of this which is a great fusion of the original Zulu song " Mbube " and " The Lion Sleeps Tonight " - worth a listen

[@Ozzcaddy]

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - great music they do. I have a couple of their albums in vinyl.

[@ZEPnALE]

Will definitely check that out. Love The Mint Juleps. They're an awesome acapella group.

[@johnnylightning203]

Tight Fit did an amazing version, too. Check it out.

[@scottgelb2650]

I just watched it. Just incredible.

[@nanook8721]

Ladysmith Black Mozambo and the Mint Juleps version is absolutely wonderful!

[@victoriawoods3898]

You guys need to check out the live version of this song by The Tokens decades later. They sound the same.

[@TomGorham]

I was born in 1950 and heard white and black music merge together over two decades. There was amazing music being made so creatively. Very exciting stuff!

[@Ozzcaddy]

Those who do a Reaction to earlier songs before computers and technology made its way into music and recording studios, need to always remember that there was no playing around or altering the voices of those performing, as Asia said 'it's raw'. The more reactions you do of this time in music, the more you will appreciate how good an artist was in those days, with singing and playing the various instruments and getting different sounds from those instruments without the use of technology.

[@blackprix]

This also was my preteen years, if I’m not mistaken I think I first heard this song on American bandstand… Which I used to watch every day after school. Really enjoyed listening to it again

[@michaela8706]

Neil Sedaka was in the Tokens. He left in 1958 to start a solo career before this came out. He was also a classically trained pianist. Y'all oughta check him out. He had some great hits in the 60's and 70's. "Oh! Carol", 1959 "Calendar Girl" 1961 "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" 1961 "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" 1962 "Laughter In The Rain" 1974 and "Bad Blood" 1975. Thanks and God Bless

[@tinatreitler9192]

Neil Sadaka is another truly under rated singer...I've always loved his solo stuff!!! "Laughter in the Rain", Breaking up is hard to do", to name a few....

[@tm2bee]

I think they'd get a kick out of his songs! Truly untapped in the reaction channels.

[@judydonaghue-staubs6890]

One of my favorites. This was the first 45rpm record I bought with my own money at age 7. I feel good when I hear it.

[@Vetriot6971]

Also the first 45 rpm I bought, I was 11 and I had a paper route. Magical times back then 🙏

[@peridotdiamondruby]

I have always loved this song. Thanks for reacting to it. 🎶

[@dagmar.6954]

The Tokens were an American male doo-wop style vocal group. They are best known for their 1961 hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". They also had some other songs such as "Tonight I Fell In Love", "I Hear Trumpets Blow" & "Portrait Of My Love". Beginning in 1963, The Tokens also began serving as record producers for other artists, such as the Chiffons, Randy & the Rainbows & the Happenings.

[@scapito]

My grandmother loved this song. She had a case of music from the 50s and 60s that I started delving into at 7 yo. Good memories.

[@happysnail5813]

I think my parents may have had that same case🙂

[@deborahcornell171]

BJ's right, this song has been everywhere for decades..movies, tv shows, you name it. I especially remember it being used in a scene from the 1989 film "Dead Calm" with Sam Neill (Google him, you'll recognize him) & a very young Nicole Kidman. Btw, I highly recommend that movie to anyone who wants to see a nail-biting suspense movie set at sea on a beautiful sailboat. I don't think I was able to draw a deep breath throughout the last half of the movie.💙

[@Pops-km8xt]

Good movie 🎬

[@lindanicholson950]

Song figured highly in a Friends episode about Marcel.

[@patrickorourke2369]

Dead Calm is an excellent thriller

[@nancyanne1402]

More than one episode. Marcel could turn on Ross’ stereo and played this on repeat before he was “donated” to the zoo.

[@vodkarage8227]

I don't know how you can't like this song, it's just so unique. I have never heard a song even remotely like it. I remember the first time hearing it with my dad on the oldies station, instant love.

[@janetmueller9195]

I was 8 years old when this original song came out. My sister bought the 45 record of it and played it over and over. I am now 69 years old old. Great songs never die!

[@centuryrox]

Always LOVED this song, going all the way back to my childhood. Incredible vocal talent!

[@1719456]

Check out the live version. It will blow your mind. They haven't lost a step & their chemistry on stage will give you chills.

[@stanleywiggins5047]

Another classic piece from the 60's to amaze your ears.. I've loved it ever since I can remember..

[@rodb9275]

I loved watching this song win you over. At the beginning you seemed unimpressed to go into it, not knowing what you were about to hear. It was fun. Thank youl Yes the lady in the background IS opera.

[@user-gv5bs3os5i]

I get goose bumps at the back ground singer her voice is amazing

[@classicrocklady6288]

This is my happy song! And, truly, a piece of art! Love the history of the song, too.

[@mitchshelton2995]

I’ve always loved this song. Glad y’all did it. Much love.

[@greg2976]

Thanks for this. I think I was in the 7th grade. So many great memories back then! You guys are the best!!!!!

[@bonimcnatt4844]

Please look up and watch them perform now. They are great. Also you get to see the lady in the back of the group that sings that very high part in the song.

[@busymom4kc]

This was a staple at the skating rink in the 70’s and 80’s. ❤️❤️❤️

[@donnabost4445]

You guys need to check this out in the live version.....then you can see them Singing!!!!

[@bonimcnatt4844]

I picture a hut in a little village by the jungle and a mother sitting on a pallet on the floor by her small child. Though she knows the hut does not afford protection from the lions, she brushes the hair from her small child's face and sings to her. Sleep peacefully my child, don't worry, the lion is asleep tonight. What a beautiful picture it paints.

[@mtsula]

I feel sorry for the Africans(Zulus) who created this song in 1938 or 1939 but didnt received the recognition for it. Certainly not the $$$ they should have gotten. You can hear their version on KZbin. The group is called Solomon Linda

[@TheJstroud24]

I grew up on this era of music. Older people get shook when I put this stuff on. This song was one of my favorites when I was a little kid, still love it. ❤

[@sharikraft1706]

A Guy named Robert John sang this song in 1972. That was when I first heard it. I never knew that it was first produced in 1939. It's a great song.

[@rayc2993]

My generation. The Tokens wrote and performed it in the 60's. The movie the lion king used it. Good reaction.

[@lmdashley6725]

Don't even remember the first time I heard this (61 yo) but I've always loved it, and when it showed up on an episode of Friends, I couldn't believe it. It got my attention because you don't hear it often!

[@annnorway9042]

You have to watch some of the performances from Paul Simon's Graceland concert in Zimbabwe, 1987, with Ladysmith Black Mombasa and Miriam Makeba withe beautiful songs like Under African Skies, Homeless, Diamonds On the Soles Of Her Shoes, and the title track Graceland.

[@sjd5750]

You got it right when you said operatic..The high notes was sung by operatic trained Anita Darian

[@bopep1368]

can listen to this a zillion times

[@davidjames3080]

A version of this, by Tight Fit, hit number 1 in the UK for 3 weeks (selling over a million copies while doing so) - it was a decent version of this cover but 80s'ed up. Not sure if it made it across the pond, but I'm guessing not as no-one has mentioned it. Tight Fit had another catchy song 'Fantasy Island', but that was it - a two hit wonder.

[@burrichgrrl57]

Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) by the original performers, Solomon Linda and The Evening Birds, can be heard here on KZbin. Hope people will check it out. Stunning. My favorite version by far.

[@flutesong5527]

Pete Seeger, the GREAT Pete Seeger brought this and many, many more songs to the US from his travels. He was never afraid to go anywhere or sing anything. A great man, check him out. He and Woody Guthrie are American heroes.

[@mervinmannas7671]

There is a youTube vid taken from a concert they did with other artists from just a few years ago and Jay Seigels voice is still top quality 50 years later

[@philtireman8520]

I read where the lead singer's Granddaughter told her classmates that her Grandpa sang the song in the movie THE LION KING but they didn't believe her. So Grandpa showed up at her school and sang the song there.

[@davidleatherneck]

I use to cruise up the PCH in my 57 Chevy going to the beach with this song blasting on the AM Radio. Nice review. Thanks.

[@letitbesummer6536]

They have a version of this in the movie The Lion King - you must have seen it? BJ you have to see that sweet movie - excellent even for adults!

[@shellygill5029]

Should check out the back story on the song....it was taken from an old African song. That is a woman singing the background high notes If you want to see a live version, there is one done live (I think in a Do-wop concert.) when the group was much older....their sound was still spot on.

[@254967conwell]

I am 71 retired military after 27 years and it amazes me the songs we heard back in the day that a lot of us took for granted on 45 RPM records and AM radio that we never heard in stereo are getting a lot of attention today thanks to KZbin and the reaction channels ...good stuff

[@retiredfirelt586]

I know I have heard this song more than 1,000 times on radio in the 70's... but haven't heard it in more than 30 years.

[@Elaine8492]

Original is an African Zulu lullaby. Yep. Yep. This did not originate with the Tokens (They brought it to the US) but this song and all of its parts is right out of Africa.

[@johncurran6031]

1961 recording by some white guys from New York City. Jay Siegal, the lead singer, is still alive and may still be performing. Great falsetto voice.

[@sues4239]

I have this on a 45 and I love the sound of it from the original record. Amazing!

[@Dee-JayW]

A very old traditional ZULU song, mum’s sang to their children as a lullaby.

[@RussellStClair-cy1vu]

Used to work at this cabinet shop . We listen to the oldies station from 6:00 in the morning till 10:00. Whenever this song would come on 20 guys singing The Lion sleeps Tonight !! Hahahahaha We were horrible 🤣🤣🤣

[@supert3948]

Watching the joy on Asia's face listening to this song was one of the best things I have seen on KZbin in a long while

[@robertm7071]

I know this so well from the 60s - everyone did. . However, watch his live performance of a few years ago and it’s a case of “Step aside, Robert Plant, Jay Siegel’s taking over”. It is astonishing.

[@scottvanhille5688]

Thank you guys for listening to this classic! Gives me The Lion King vibes. This song was on a 45 record. My father owned this years ago.

[@georgesirving5913]

It was an opera singer that was asked to the back up singing you hear. She got it on the first take.

[@LS-wn5cd]

The operatic voice is Anita Darian - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Darian

[@ShawnKavanagh]

Instant classic From another time of amazing harmonies

[@j20tower]

Lead singer with the great hi voice is Brooklyn’s own Jay Siegel. This is 60 years ago and I remember listening to this when I was 10 years old. There were different girls that sang that hi verse but she was amazing as well. One of the most played songs in history. You should really be watching the live video but thx for playing it.

[@kitcatsaunders]

The live version is also amazing like others states the lead singer still has the range . Awesome reaction thanks for this .Blessings and good vibes ❤️🤗🙏

[@amandabairefoot4173]

One of my sister favorite songs she passed last month before Christmas

[@lindazee]

The Lion King featured Elton John's music and score, which you should also react to, such as "The Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight". Also, during the 60s, we were exposed to amazing music from African artists. One that I'm recommending to you is "Pata Pata" by Miriam Makeba. Another one from that era is "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango.

[@TheDivayenta]

And The Click Song!

[@christophersessions3375]

In 1992 I was playing in a thrash/death metal band at this sort of festival. A bunch of local punk/metal bands played sets out in the desert-ish area of western Utah. The bands had kind of a backstage area, and a bunch of musicians were just hanging out there, beering and laughing. At some point someone who may have been me started singing the opening vocal to this. All these punky, grungy, metally people ALL joined in and we sang it over and over for about 15 minutes. And I mean correctly, not as a joke. Hitting the notes and banging on hoods of cars in time with the drums. What I am saying is that this song is so great everyone in the spot knew how to do it. Universally awesome.

[@PeterDay81]

A class old song it has a touch of Yodeling in it.Yodeling is a form of singing which involves repeated and rapid changes of pitch between the low-pitch chest register and the high-pitch head register or falsetto.Cheers and stay safe.I don't know if you know this.Solomon Linda’s song, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, transcends racial, cultural, and time lines Solomon Linda’s song eventually earned millions of dollars, but he died in such poverty that it took his family 18 years to buy a tombstone for his grave.Thanks and all the best from England, Please check out Eivør - Falling Free (Live at the Old Theater in Torshavn) It is one beautiful song.Ta-Ra -A bit.lol.

[@joepowell7025]

That's actually the Original and that's a lady singing soprano with the guys. And the lead singer is singing in falsetto as well.

[@bobmessier5215]

The song style is called Doo-Wop and it was popular in the late 50's and early 60's.

[@glassontherocks]

There was a Lady singing with them not pictured on record cover. She still hit some crazy notes.

[@brendawalsh8896]

This was my mom’s favorite song!! I can still see her dancing around the house singing! Great memories since she passed 8 years ago!

[@niccolean]

The super high notes you’re hearing are not from a voice, but from an instrument called a theremin. It’s used in a lot of sci-fi shows/movies, such as the original Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. Great reaction to a really cool song.

[@doomhunter697]

You're mistaken. The female vocalist, Anita Darian sang those notes, and was known for here range. In fact her IMDb page notes "Sang the high, theremin-sounding wordless vocal on the Tokens' 1961 hit, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Watch any video of them doing it live, and you can see her sing those notes.

[@jackmandu]

@@doomhunter697 In more recent performance, the soprano is Kelly Defade, not the original Anita Darian.

[@doomhunter697]

@@jackmandu Anita passed in 2015

[@micpar2]

It's also in Ace Ventura Pet Detective. With Jim Carrey & Courtney Cox.

[@frankdalton483]

The mobile in my crib played this song. Part of the reason I love music.

[@fmichaelritchie5579]

I ""LOVE"" y'alls reactions to this. I love seeing and hearing todays kids enjoying our music from our music from 50s, 60s years ago. Long before all the auto tune, etc when music was just that, real music. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reactions ❤

[@alexakl6445]

I think the first time I heard this classic song was in music class in elementary school (1970s). The music teacher played it for us and I'm pretty sure she had us singing along. Yes, such a fun, sing-a-long song!

[@annieknight71]

This was one of my favorite songs when I was in High School.

[@charlesmarkley220]

Original and beautiful. Love this since a was a little kid. Thanks for enjoying as I did and still do.

[@klr4729]

This song was so cool back in the day... we all knew it didn't have a known purpose or message... just a group stretching their vocals... later it definitely was great for an animated movie.

[@patriciakeith6755]

Asia and BJ, there is a video of the Tokens when they were young and another video of them many years later. You can close your eyes and you will not know which video is which.

[@helgar791]

As a Brooklyn boy, these Brooklyn boys, along with the original Jay Traynor from Jay and The Americans, and Neil Sedeka, an original member of this band, were all part of my childhood. The best of day man. Their other big hit, "Tonight I Fell In Love", and Jay Traynor (or Jay Black) singing "She Cried" are more of my favorites from this large group of friends.

[@kathyrizzi8754]

I was 12 when this song came out, it was a big hit, I loved it then and still do. It brings back so many great memories…1961♥️♥️🥰

[@tomkwiatkowski7622]

1961 st. boniface school outside before school start we had 6th tansister radio . It was a big song for us 8th graders.

[@eviekelpie1]

This was actually the no.1 song in December 1961, my birth month and year! My Dad used to play it when I was a toddler. It's fun

[@BillyEllis-yd1tm]

Should take a listen to their song titled " Tonight,I fell in love"...great song from the early 60's..

[@memorylanemodelcars]

The Tokeñs are Icons. Of 59s-70s Rock n Roll They're the Original Acapella Group Started as 3 adolecents sing to Entertain their Aunt

[@user-ug3fn4xu3y]

This was recorded way before autotune or pitch correction. I remember when it came out and it was HUGE!

[@johnzubil2875]

When The Lion King came out my daughter and I sang this all the time. I'm so happy to have those memories, she's 30 now.

[@tinaburkhalter6111]

Makes you smile ! Love this song, love looks great on you guys ! Greetings from concord , nc. 😍😍

[@jeannejorgensen1230]

Loved this song when it first came out back in the day!

[@cpnlsn88]

Never forget the original - Mbube. Worth listening to, it's haunting and beautiful. This version is accomplished in its own right but it's a cover.... nothing wrong with that but let's never forget Mbube by Solomon Linda, in Zulu language.

[@rogersprague563]

This song was getting it long before the lion king I remember it growing up back in the 60s Herd them sing this a few years back and you can't tell the difference !

[@bryansproles2879]

I've heard the opening of this original, but I'd never listen far enough to hear that AMAZING female background singer. WOW. Glad to be able to have my own reaction as I watched yours :)

[@marablemorgan8292]

They were formed in high school in 1955 as the Linc-Tones...

[@marygodwin4497]

This song is from South Africa, it is Zulu. I lived there amongst them. The company that my husband worked for had a lot of Zulus They loved my husband and gave him a Zulu name, Isipewo which means the gift or gift from God. They are a Christian tribe and we loved them.

[@ninapace4133]

That song was a lullabye sung to the babies to get them to sleep. It was written in an African language. I'm 73 and it was a chart topper back in the day. I still love it.

[@williamfisher8239]

Check out the live version on the doo woo reunion event per pbs. It's mind blowing that every single group still sounds the same after 40 years have gone by. Real talent no doubt in all vocalists then.