WIMOWEH: The Jay Siegel Story

At concerts, some women toss undergarments at heartthrob singers, but when Jay Siegel performs, they toss stuffed lions. Known more by his voice than by his name, Siegel and his group, The Tokens, topped the charts 50 years ago with his distinct falsetto on the classic mega-hit, 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. Now at the age of 72, Jay resides in Rockland County, NY, where he has turned his garage into a make-shift museum of his career. He loves the work he does as he's still touring today and yes, he can still sing in the same key as he did when he was just a teenager.

[@StephFrandsen]

What can I say But A Wim O Weh? Lol, whenever I karaoke, this song always, always, ALWAYS without fail, gets a crowd in a fun loving happy atmosphere. Honestly, no singing group needs anymore than ONE song like this to carry them through life! Who can be cranky if the lion is asleep? ;-)

[@CaapriceTube1]

Definitely one of the BEST male falsettos in music history. He's still good looking too.

[@ShadowPlayz195-j3m]

They stole the song from Salomon linda.

[@omokaroojiire]

Truth will always surface, it might take a hundred years!!!

[@CaapriceTube1]

@@omokaroojiire absolutely

[@enow0049]

Solomon Linda&The Evening ( The First Version ) - Mbube, Siegel you thief.. did you tell that the song was actually from an African? you thief..

[@mitchgawlik1175]

@@enow0049 I see the insanity is kicking in. What has the Black population done for the Linda family. Has Kanye West stepped up? Spike Lee? The African-American sports stars? What have you, @enow0049, done for the family?

[@peterlarsson9468]

Did you know that the word "Wimoweh" is a misinterpretation of the refrain's "uyimbube" from the original song "Mbube"

[@ManJay3220]

You definitely correct,as Zulu speaking I wish they can sing it correctly not wemoweh...

[@catalina1097]

Solomon Linda

[@rustykoehler2789]

Imagine if it had never existed.

[@RemoteNotary]

@@rustykoehler2789 true - a part of our usa memories. I wish Solomon Linda got the royalties and credits/ recognition at each and every performance.

[@suprememasteroftheuniverse]

@@RemoteNotary It is in each and every record, genius. Can't you read?

[@victorgano1]

Thank you for such a beautiful song of my childhood, I always saw you look like a lion in your eyes Jay Siegel !

[@revolverden]

Jay lives in my neighborhood. Or more accurately, I live in Jay's neighborhood. I remember when and where I was the first time I heard The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

[@doowopp64]

Jay Siegel, what a voice. Really underrated singer... always in my top!!

[@outerspacedev]

And to say "it was too weird" is so insulting. Especially considering all the fame and money derived from the Zulu language song. Why call it "weird" and turn around and sing it?

[@anndyx9423]

Wish I could like this a thousand times

[@kathrynalmond2738]

Sad he doesnt mention Solomon Linda but when I listen to this song in deep depression something makes me brighten a bitt

[@georgealderson4424]

I have not heard of this gentleman or his group but I have certainly known of the song for decades, as sung by many others. I think the song is far more important that the singer or singers and I think poor Solomon Linda deserves recognition at all costs. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

[@headless1234]

Love this.....LEGENDS .....FOR SURE

[@puboxer]

Cool video-thanks for interviewing Jay!

[@unfluster]

What an amazing voice!!

[@vampoftrance]

Jay you have a beautiful voice. I would warm up before the concert with this song, one of the only songs I can sing properly.

[@binslick1000]

The Tokens version of the Lion Sleeps Tonight is absolutely fantastic! The vocal harmonies are phenomenal. Much better than the original.

[@kabouterjos4387]

Jay you are the best singer of the world

[@pamlane6295]

Music from an era long gone

[@Kiwitakimago]

He seems like a really great guy!

[@donaldellison2524]

I love Jay Siegel. And I also like Neil Sedaka.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

As a singer myself, I wish the record company had credited Anita Darian for her gorgeous head voice on Lion.

[@annacronism]

VIDEOHEREBOB, Loulie Jean Norman did the coloratura parts on the 1961 original recording. www.waybackattack.com/talesftaa-coloratura.html

[@zuziwemkhwanazi348]

As a South African myself. I wish they had credited the South African man who this song originates from. But he died with just 10 dollars in his bank account

[@8solange]

What a really nice guy!!! God bless!!

[@sub222marathon]

Best clip I've seen in ages, and I'm old enough to be his grandson.

[@jerrytheracecardriver1100]

my grandparents are all younger than him by about 5-10 years.

[@sub222marathon]

@Elle Mensah Cancel culture again. I'm thinking if he stole this we'd have know a long long time ago. I'm sure if he was black you wouldn't be complaining. If he's white it ain't right. Typical.

[@rolandmousaa3110]

I worked for Pete Seeger for 50 years.. and he told me you called him sometimes.. about this song..

[@rasamanjari]

Finally got curious as to what is singing the lead and high back-up on The Lion Sleeps Tonight song. Made me smile.

[@tomjones2202]

If you love your work,, you'll never "work". My thirty years in education passed in the blink of an eye. I loved where I worked and the kids and teachers I worked with. ( most of them lol )

[@PRR5406]

Most of us first heard "The Kingston Trio" do a highly modified version of this on their 1958 album, "From the Hungry i". I'm betting these guys first heard it there as well.

[@frankcarlone5130]

I wish this video was longer.....

[@Beaglemaster3]

Agree!

[@fcontitwo]

***** Truly Fabulos Tokens, keep rockin' !!! #lovealways

[@wolfgangjungheim7502]

Einmalig, eine Bereicherung für die Musikwelt ... gut so!

[@Zain.2599]

Wimoweh became a great material for meme as well btw he was 72 at that time and he’s voice is so good and active...

[@jjmdavo]

amazing ....still got it old mate

[@petekeller1424]

Who is the female vocalist in that song? No one mentions her name and there is no recognition for her part.

[@Remislinger2]

Anita Darian en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Darian

[@PatchesOhoulihan159]

He wont even mention where they got the song from?!?! Wimoweh is serious a slap in the black mans face

[@garyjameson1643]

weee needdd reporayshuns! ya dawg

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

dude, he can still sing !

[@Ricotet4]

Watching the video, I waited for the point where he would mention Solomon Linda. Never once did he give credit to Solomon Linda, the Zulu musician of South Africa, the originator of the song in the 1930s. Making it look like he came by the tune himself.

[@rocriva9199]

Yup!! He's a criminal...

[@ellemababa4023]

He is a natural born thief.

[@BigJimbo106]

Just like those tik tok dance thieves

[@MrBulwer]

Maybe he has in other interviews? And there are so many variations of all kinds of songs out there is it really necessary for the current singer to give a detailed, in depth, long history of a song? Not looking for a fight I'm just wondering why?

[@georgealderson4424]

To give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe he was just ignorant of the song's origins?

[@philipbuckley759]

dreams, can come true.....nuff said...

[@Beaglemaster3]

Great video! Nevertheless, "Tonight I Fell In Love" is still my favorite. lol

[@finstersrc30]

Really nice documentary too bad they didnt ask him about the origin of the song.

[@jaymeade7456]

He reminds me of Tom Jones a little in his looks. Tom has a very powerful voice to this day.

[@cesarvillalobos5183]

Your voice has not changed! What is your secret?

[@MrBulwer]

I guess for each and every interview with a singing artist regarding any particular song you MUST acknowledge where it came from, what country it came from, which singer sang it first, which version is better and any other conceivable source so you won't be called a thief for stealing it! Sheesh!

[@gordonsmithjr2801]

He could have at the very least said something about Linda. Hey I heard a song and I decided to mess around with it.

[@mn5008]

IT'S A SHAME THAT HE DIDN'T EVEN RECOGNIZE THAT THEY STOLE THIS SONG FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP THAT CREATED IT! Damn shame!!!

[@James-re6co]

Miriam Makeba does an amazing version of this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWK1fqF4eZqhm8k I too, wish Jay had mentioned the ones before him that made his fame possible.

[@georgealderson4424]

Thanks James. I will listen to MM Blessings and peace

[@kelvinbuobi1672]

No hate at all but, i didn't hear the name Solomon linda at all ? He is the one that came up with the melody

[@jeelykly]

Hi Kelvin - The lack of acknowledging the origins of the song was done on my part as the director/editor. Looking back on this film I made over seven years ago, I do wish that recognition was included in the piece. During his interview, Jay fully went into the history of the song - including Solomon Linda's version of Mbube & The Weaver's rendition. He's actually featured in a great documentary that tell's the full story of the song - www.pbs.org/independentlens/lionstrail/people.html

[@kelvinbuobi1672]

@@jeelykly Hii thanks for the explanation, i would really like to see the documentair -The Lions share- but i cant find it. Do you have a link or a site were i can see it ? 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@akandindaandrew8795]

Solomon Linda sang it for shaka Zulu, and the tokens sang it for Trump case closed.

[@antoniatavares902]

TRADUÇÃO, POR FAVOR !!!

[@klezmando]

There is no mention here of the origin of this song. It came from South Africa, from Solomon Linda. It was popularized by Pete Seeger and the Weavers. Where is the acknowledgement of the origins of this song? A little humility Mr. Siegel.

[@jeelykly]

Hi Gerry - The lack of acknowledging the origins of the song was done on my part as the director/editor. Looking back on this film I made four years ago, I do wish that recognition was included in the piece. During his interview, Jay fully went into the history of the song - including Solomon Linda's version of Mbube & The Weaver's rendition. He's actually featured in a great documentary that tell's the full story of the song - www.pbs.org/independentlens/lionstrail/people.html All the best - Sean

[@GlenWFord-ps8ts]

Gerry you jerk--the original was popularized by the Tokens-George Weiss and Albert Stanton wrote the English version. It was covered by many singers and groups but the Tokens rocked it to the top. Do your damn research.

[@klezmando]

Please see Sean Gallagher's ( the director/editor's remark below. I'll accept your apology in advance.Even if I was wrong, why would that make me a jerk?

[@GlenWFord-ps8ts]

Gerry-I called you a jerk because of your attitude towards Jay. Sean is all excited about the Weavers that managed to mumble "WIMOWEH" through the whole song. As I said b4-The Tokens rocked the English version to the top.

[@jamesschmidlin1127]

Actually Solomon Lind borrowed it from an centuries old African chant song. Lind recorded it 1935.

[@sandcastle1417]

He ALWAYS starts this story with "we used to sing this on the beach" but NEVER mentions where he heard it from.....

[@masterocha1]

Looks like Will Ferrell at some point.

[@Pashasmom1]

This was their only hit and they stole it from a South African man.

[@metromoppet]

How can you steal something from someone you don't know 22 years after it was created in a far flung land with no telecommunications. Don't forget ,This was 1938 ! pre WW2. Get a grip ! Ugula ekhanda lako

[@firedfromscanningfiredfrom995]

mmmh yeah, he stole that song from salomon linda's MBUBE...

[@colinm2056]

Sean Gallager answered that several times already.

[@colinm2056]

See Sean Gallaghers reply.

[@melaninawakening9350]

😒😒

[@nkamajola7099]

Originally it's called "MBUBE" not "wimowe, in Zulu language "MBUBE"means lion... It's a Zulu kingdom song ...we sing this type of song , it's a form of praise like type of genre we call it (amahubo AkwaZulu)... Zulu warrior(amabutho in Zulu language) would recite this song to (ilembe or isilo ) meaning king .... We don't don't say "the lion sleep"..we say MBUBE , referring to ilembe or isilo of the Zulu natal ... after MBUBE we say " wayithinta imbube " meaning u have touched the lion/king

[@michaelb2068]

That's truly fascinating

[@LenHummelChannel]

*Jay still has one of the most amazing trained voices that I have ever heard.* thanks for the little glimpse into his personal life. Stay healthy, Jay.

[@Mr4pete]

I didn't hear one mention of Solomon Linda or wanting to know the origins of the original song and its artist, I have to wonder if Jay Siegel ever did pay credit and or praise for the song that helped bring him such huge success. If Jay Siegel hasn't heard of Solomon Linda and his family that lived in poverty whilst Jay was making millions alone with studio heads and anyone else that basked in the money that this song from Solomon Linda created, Then hears the opportunity to make shit right. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5_KZKqLj8SNg5I

[@martinmkhatshwa5087]

I'm half Zulu myself and witnessing a mourning song of one of our tribal warriors turned into a happy song well that's kinda weird in some way😕😂,and it was no wimoweh it was mbube from the old dialect of bubhesi (lion) and the melody of the i'mbubee is actually a loud depicted mourning of the dead by family members at a funeral I'm Zulu tradition but then if America find it mood uplifting then well only umxobothi is what is in short of😅

[@LindaPerry_337]

There are plenty of songs originally referring to sad situations, which are happy uplifting songs. "Shiny Happy People" by REM, is a classic example. The lyrics for the song were written as a satirical translation of the Chinese government's propaganda used after the Tiananmen Square Massacre of 1989.

[@ayandacsr862]

Solomon Linda & The evening birds..... Mbube.....1938

[@worldcitizenB]

That song was stolen from Solomon Linda and The Evening Birds. You couldn't even pronounce the name "Mbube".

[@johnandrews2167]

Believe it or not, of all the songs out there, The Lion Sleeps Tonight is my 'feel good' song. It always makes me feel better when I hear it. I remember when I was a kid, my father would act silly, singing to it on the radio to get us kids laughing.

[@curbyourenthusiasm9874]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIHRoYFnh5hrd8U

[@omokaroojiire]

Because it was birthed out of Africa! Stolen from Africa, like most of the things the Western glory is built on!!!

[@johnandrews2167]

@@omokaroojiire You are saying I like it just because it was from Africa? You really hate America and white people in general, don't ya? Being from Africa has nothing to do with it. I just like it. Those guys in Africa should have gotten the dues owed them, yes. But we can't change the past. The American version is much better, much improved anyway. The African guys that originally done it, well it sounded scary as hell. So blah blah blah. The end result is that it is a nice popular song now, and the past is past. I will not allow you or anyone else keep me from enjoying it. It is still my 'feel good' song. Let's just share and enjoy everything the world as a whole has to offer, shall we? And not worry about who or what and when. Unless you just want to keep hatred alive and well. Which is my guess that is exactly what you want to do. But I'm not gonna bite. Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away!

[@ClayREZify]

That little song they used to sing on the beach was called 'Awimbawe' by an African zulu singer.

[@nokuphilakhumalo4269]

Uyimbube(you're a lion)

[@maxineweldon8200]

This song originated in South Africa,you did not write it,

[@afimearts]

....and he never mentioned that he stole the original origin of the music that says a lot in character of who he is. Respect to Solomon Linda and his family may they finally get Justice.

[@michaelb2068]

solomon didn't want justice he was happy that other people took happiness of his song to say it was stolen solomon would have laughed

[@AlphaPoe]

No one performed this song as well as Siegel and his group.

[@elevatorisland]

I love this guy's positive attitude. That must be why he can still sing the way he does.

[@chrismoukengue424]

a great song by Solomon Linda

[@m.jmotheoane8147]

Stolen material

[@richgra1]

FABULOUS!!! Jay is just one of a kind, one in a billion! I love and still cherish the years I was with him! Basically 12. The 1st 2 years I got to be his replacement. Boy was that tough and mainly because I smoked in those days. I could not wait till he came back! October 5th, 1987. Yes a date I can never forget! Then we were 4. Myself, Bill Reid, Bobby Love and Jay! We really sounded good with the four of us. Then I left to pursue a bunch of dates with my other group, Billy & The Essentials. Bobby leaves, Bill calls me up, "are you ready to come back?" How could I say no? Ya know you get addicted to the Standing Ovations! But, two many airplanes took their toll on me and a number of other changes I couldn't live with so then I had to leave! A missed prescribed drug from an intern was the cincher and I missed the plane! Anxiety attacks followed it was time to say so long! Still to this day, Jay and I talk, "Once In Awhile". In our last conversation...the things he said made my life worthwhile! "I'll Always Love You" One of my favorite songs of all time! God Bless You Jay Siegel.....

[@richgra1]

@Spookay T'is Me The Solomon Linda Family does get credit for the original Chant !See the Rolling Stone Magazine Archives for the full story, about 22 pages of good documentation on that song! George David Weiss gets credit for the English Lyric he penned in 1961 after a trip to the African Embassy in NYC. I have a Weavers version on 33 1/3 Live at Carnegie Hall with the son

[@northerntraveller3180]

I was a teenager when this came out. What a fantastic voice, Jay made it all happen, and still does. I have to commend the group, no one made it alone, it was a group effort.

[@sableindian]

I watched this whole thing to see if he would say something about Solomon Linda the one who did the original song in South Africa back in 1938 and who died with about $20 to his worth in poverty. I hope he acknowledges the Linda family during his concert. From now on I will always listen to Mbuba.

[@Buttermilkjug]

Yooz racist~

[@ajllafountain]

You think he even knows them or about them?

[@sableindian]

​@@ajllafountainWhere'd he get the song? And he probably would claim he 'discovered' it.

[@sanjaydhang1712]

The song-"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is like Love at First Sight. Only one time listening is enough to fall in love with this song. Thanks Jay for this song. love from India.💓

[@ohmissladymam]

Wow he seems nice here. I was given some bad news health wise & was thrilled to finally get to see the tokens live. (They saved me temporarily with a pacemaker ) Jay wouldn't even shake my hand & was rude as hell. He lost a long time fan that night. The other member apologized for his behavior & said he was normally nice. We all have our bad days & I would like to believe this side of him rather than the jerk that blew me off & was so rude that night. I'm impressed he has been married for 50 years. Wonder why he was so awful that night if he truly "loves his job"....Hmmmmm Maybe he had a bad night back then or Maybe it's because there was a camera there this time. Would have liked to hear about the African original as well.

[@Remislinger2]

Agree, Jen. As a musician doing openings, I have had the opportunity to be around headliners. Unfortunately, they are all like that at one time or another. What they forget is that they are ALWAYS on stage and have a responsibility to their fans, particularly at a concert. This is part of the job Jay claims to love and it is incumbent on him not to neglect that part of it.

[@sirdukeusa3289]

Maybe he just wasn't feeling well.

[@neitherhotnorflashy1677]

Such a unique voice with amazing control from falsetto through to baritone

[@bonniekaye]

Every day at school I spent my lunch money on the juke box playing this song!

[@OdinX316]

Class!! Best song ever!!! The Lion Sleeps Tonight "Wimoweh" who can listen to that song and not immediately feel better!!

[@sydboski]

OdinX316 How about the family of the man it was stolen from?

[@TheOriginalRick]

@@sydboski and how is that supposed to affect how someone feels when they hear the song? How do you feel about eating hamburgers or sauerkraut knowing the Germans killed millions of innocent people in the 30s and 40s? Or watching TV on a Sony knowing the Japanese brutally raped and killed millions of Chinese in the 30s and 40s. And you do know that his family has received a substantial settlement, don't you? Oh... you didn't know that? And you comment anyway?

[@takuneil5347]

@@TheOriginalRick still doesn't justify the fact that it was stolen, point blank period

[@TheOriginalRick]

@@takuneil5347 Bless your heart, Taku, but we were discussing how good the song makes one feel upon listening to it. Do you have anything to add on that point, or do you merely wish to whine some more about a point that everyone has already acknowledged?

[@TheOriginalRick]

@Elle Mensah When it was discovered and recognized by the proper people about who actually wrote the song his family got millions of dollars. And...?

[@gopherstate777]

Thank you Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds.

[@ShadowPlayz195-j3m]

Stole it from Salomon linda from south Africa.

[@joelplummer]

Thief.

[@lennieblue]

Still a beautiful voice! One of my fav songs.

[@takayama1638]

Well Jay, I guess you're 78 this year, 2018, 9 years older than me. Love you man, and one of the best things is married over 50 years!! And have taken good care of that God given voice!! Thank you.

[@implive17]

Thief!

[@9386265]

Jay is the "Lion That Sleeps Tonight." I believe that each and every time he sings that song, for him, it's like the thrill of the first time. I never get tired of listening to it and I believe the Tokens never get tired of performing it.

[@4thstooge]

Great guy & great singer too! Amazing that he can still hit those notes singing in his 70's.

[@arthurkamguem879]

Nul part j'ai vu que c'était l'œuvre d'un sud africain nommé "Solomon Linda" l'Afrique perd encore une fois

[@patgron2225]

It actually started in South Africa in 1938.

[@abraham_benson_official]

How did you know?

[@BigJimbo106]

@@abraham_benson_official Solomon Linda created the song using his native Zulu

[@abraham_benson_official]

@@BigJimbo106 I see

[@Dilbot447]

@@BigJimbo106 I know

[@teddyamok]

They like to leave out that bit. Cheeky but thats what artists do i guess.

[@lilianarsobczak3640]

I couldnt give a hoot about his looks, he took credit for something that was not his creation. The song The lyon sleeps tonight was stolen from afrikan folk singers and the lyrics were written by an afrikan janitor 1920.

[@georgealderson4424]

👏👏👏

[@toddclean547]

It WAS NOT the biggest hit in the history of rock and roll. What a foolish statement.

[@rabfallon4507]

A bit piss poor he didn't acknowledge Solomon Linda , who's song they were singing on the pier

[@funnybone2632]

What a great song. What a great rendition. Thanks for having a little faith and for sticking your necks out in the beginning to make this happen.

[@theresareynolds3133]

My aunt loved this song, I was born legally deaf and I was three years old when this song came out, it was also when I got my first set of hearing aids, the very first song I remember hearing was my aunt singing Angel Baby to me she never called me by my name, I was either Baby Doll or Angel Baby the Lion Sleeps Tonight was the second song I remember hearing, I think she played the record so many times she wore it out 😂😂😂😂

[@robertprestwood3902]

Wow. What a trip down memory lane. Tears of joy!

[@fazbell]

Siegel had one of the greatest voices in rock and roll.

[@G-inspire]

Cutting out the part of the story that told the true origin of the song is a bit disingenuous of you Sean. Shame you could be so insensitive and disrespectful to the true origin - Mbube by Solomon Linda. Your depiction makes it seem like the fine Mr Segal deliberately appropriated the song.

[@theoiiv2636]

lie.

[@firedfromscanningfiredfrom995]

stupid song, there are no lions in the jungle, lions are animals from the plains and they are nocturnal predators...

[@dorindamoreno4658]

In Honor of Cedric the martyr lion whose life was taken away by an American dentist, we call out to all who have been moved by this occurrence and also the music that celebrates the King Lions of Africa, let us all move to stopping the killing of animals for game. May Wimoweh/The Lion Sleeps Tonight play night and day until this person is brought before the world court of opinion to end this practice. Good night sweep prince Cedric, may you rest in peace.

[@Bill7Godet]

Have they ever thought after all the millions earned from some one else's song, some one else's creation - what a scumbag! - today I just read an article also of writers who also stole the idea fot the song That has been covered by many Artists and this colered lady who sang the original version - sang as an idea and these producers produced the song she sang it, but no song writing credits only to her husband.---- Bessie Banks version The song was first recorded by Larry Banks's former wife, Bessie Banks. A 1962 demo recording by Bessie of the song was heard by songwriters and record producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who re-recorded it in late 1963, with arrangement by Gary Sherman and backing vocals from Dee Dee Warwick and Cissy Houston.[1][2] The single was first released in early 1964 on their Tiger label, and later reissued on the Blue Cat label, the R&B/soul imprint of Red Bird.[3][4] Her version reached No. 40 on the Cashbox R&B singles chart.[5] Bessie Banks later commented: -- Songwriter(s) Larry Banks + Milton Bennett - Producer(s) Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller - I remember 1963 Kennedy was assassinated; it was announced over the radio. At the time, I was rehearsing in the office of Leiber and Stoller. We called it a day. Everyone was in tears. "Come back next week and we will be ready to record 'Go Now'"; and we did so. I was happy and excited that maybe this time I’ll make it. 'Go Now' was released in January 1964, and right away it was chosen Pick Hit of the Week on W.I.N.S. Radio. That means your record is played for seven days. Four days went by, I was so thrilled. On day five, when I heard the first line, I thought it was me, but all of a sudden, I realized it wasn’t. At the end of the song it was announced, "The Moody Blues singing 'Go Now'." THESE THINGS NEVER CHANGE

[@Bill7Godet]

"Leiber and Stoller.and several other jews who were the ones who also crept onto Ben E King - Stand By Me" and a whoöe lot of other "Atlantic Records" black artists music as cowriter - for that reason every one is seeking songwriting credits, inclusive managers, agents on todays artists records!!

[@AlphaPoe]

The Lion Sleeps Tonight, one of the best songs ever written and performed. Jay’s voice, phenomenal!

[@jamescarr1467]

Lions do not sleep in the jungle. The original is better.

[@MMC7059]

Why didn't he give the credit to the original song to Solomon Linda from Africa!!!

[@SeanGallagherFilm]

Hi S Max - The lack of acknowledging the origins of the song was done on my part as the director/editor. Looking back on this film I made over seven years ago, I do wish that recognition was included in the piece. During his interview, Jay fully went into the history of the song - including Solomon Linda's version of Mbube & The Weaver's rendition. He's actually featured in a great documentary that tell's the full story of the song - www.pbs.org/independentlens/lionstrail/people.html

[@G-inspire]

Sean Gallagher Cutting out that part of the story is very disingenuous of you. Shame you could be so insensitive and disrespectful to the true origin of that song. Your depiction makes it seem like the fine Mr Segal is deliberately appropriating the song.

[@aracelibasilio7672]

Great people with amazing voices. So humble too!

[@sebastiansabatt2221]

JAY ... I hope you are well. So Iwas born on October 31, 1951 and lived on Brighton 11th Street in Brighton Beach!! I've traveled alot and lived in Danmark quite a while. But Brighton Beach remains in my heart and 'In the Jungle' was the first song I never forgot, loved it so much and danced to it. Some years ago in a Budhist Monastery where I was giving acupuncture treatments to the Monks, I met a white man, an older white Monk who made brooms and swept the grounds. So after a month he asked me, "where are you from"? And I said Brooklyn! He got unusually excited and said, "I am from Brooklyn too ... I haven't met anyone from Brooklyn Now for over fifty years! .. I'm from Sheapshead Bay" And I said Brighton Beach. He almost had a stroke!! It took him awhile to catch his breath! Stay Well Jay .. keep on singing!