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@tennesseenate73142 жыл бұрын
Love your videos they are so awesome
@jillybean42652 жыл бұрын
Recieved my Tshirt, very nice. Thanks.
@stevefarms74942 жыл бұрын
The lead singer of the tokens was in his 20s back in 1961 when he first sang The Lion sleeps tonight and he was born in 1939 so that live performance you just watched he was in his 70s
@willyg74912 жыл бұрын
Jamel you need to spend more time in that era compare the original with years later. Try Jay and the Americans 1965 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6SpqmiVoNJ4n5Y Jay Black same song kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6CpiGmootmIjrs
@davelaughlin92862 жыл бұрын
Hey man! Love your videos, they always put me in a good mood! Please could I make a reaction request? The song is called Gone With The Wind live at Alexandra Palace by a band called Architects. It has such a heartbreaking story behind it and I'd love to see your reaction of them! Thanks mate! Hope you're having a great week
@iabconsulting2 жыл бұрын
This is actually a re-make of an original song from Africa. The original was writen by Solomon Linda under the title "Mbube" for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939.
@iabconsulting2 жыл бұрын
kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PVgodqjNCVhKc This is the original version.
@dawnkaroub71532 жыл бұрын
Wow thanks for sharing. I didn't know that. I thought it was an original in 1961!❤
@tonysalecki2 жыл бұрын
Indeed kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PVgodqjNCVhKc
@michellegiordano8415 күн бұрын
Hearing the original I understand why the song has been a favorite since I was 8. I do enjoy that verses were added to it and that the original shines through in every cover.
@mariehough66002 жыл бұрын
Original singers preforming live on stage… this song is 50+ years old. I remember it on the radio when I was young, got my dad to crank the radio and would sing along to my heart’s content. Loved it then - Still Love it today.
@laruewatson68812 жыл бұрын
Not the originators. Was decades old when they covered it. Watch history of The Lion Sleeps Tonight.
@TheDivayenta2 жыл бұрын
@@laruewatson6881 the originators of that particular hit recording in the US.
@malagastehlaate2302 жыл бұрын
Me too loved this song!
@teddtarr2 жыл бұрын
The Tokens' version is actually 61 years old. -- I remember it well from my high school days.
@paulwhite58402 жыл бұрын
Agreed!
@rjhm57462 жыл бұрын
The Tokens are from Brooklyn, NY and released The Lion Sleeps tonight in 1961. The lead singer then was Jay Siegel, the same lead singer as in the video. Amazing voice!
@djhrecordhound43912 жыл бұрын
They'd kept their voices great even until more recently!
@barbarascotto38732 жыл бұрын
Brooklyn, my hometown 💗
@edevard90482 жыл бұрын
The song came out in 1961 and lead singer Jay Siegel, born in 1939, was about 22 years of age. I believe he was in his mid-70s when this video was recorded.
@scorpiouk59142 жыл бұрын
And how he was able to keep that smooth falsetto is beyond me.
@timoteo9502 жыл бұрын
@@scorpiouk5914 Absolutely. Never stop training or lose it.
@mikeat26372 жыл бұрын
I saw them live several times way back then, great vocals.
@scorpiouk59142 жыл бұрын
Jamel aka Jamal, according to Wikipedia, this song was first recorded by an African singer. I remember this song fondly from my youth (I am 55) and props to the Tokens singer for maintaining that falsetto even into old age.
@ajruther672 жыл бұрын
The fact he could still hit those notes all those years later is amazing!
@ramonarellano49882 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure that this performance was actually a live version, I think they were using the original recording in their PA system.
@ajruther672 жыл бұрын
@@ramonarellano4988 If you watch PBS channel, they aired the live performances of a tour of the oldies groups around the turn of the century. This video clip was part of that recorded live tour.
@ramonarellano49882 жыл бұрын
@@ajruther67 yeah yeah, I'm a musician and can sing too, I was just watching the body language, as Jamel says, "I hear clapping but I don't see clapping".
@mlbw19662 ай бұрын
Beautiful, childhood memories singing jammin to this with my daddy in the truck...he preferred country lol It actually brings tears to my eyes rolling diwn my cheeks to see them sing it live again Legendary song to, written for, an African Queen Beauty is simply beautiful ....
@Crimsonams2 жыл бұрын
Oh trust me, they sound just as good live when this was recorded (in the 90s I believe) as they did the day they first recorded it.
@luckylady75422 жыл бұрын
He did an AMAZING job. All of them did. The lady soprano is absolutely gorgeous. Did that ever bring back memories. Thank you for being so good to your subscribers. You are a good human.😊❤
@zeppelinmexicano2 жыл бұрын
I cannot believe how good they sounded so many years later. The dude kept his vocal cords in great shape.
@richardkawucha12322 жыл бұрын
Pata Pata was sung by Miriam Makeba, a famous African singer and the wife of Hugh Masakela. Both of whom were exiled from south Africa.
@Hobodeluxe9602 жыл бұрын
this is my go to "feel good" song. when I'm feeling bad I put this one and it cheers me up. takes me back to a happy place and time.
@Jcsardelis2 жыл бұрын
It was originally sung by Solomon Linda in 1939 called Mbube. Solomon Linda was from South Africa.
@Gonzo6142 жыл бұрын
From Wikapedia: The Tokens were an American doo-wop band and record production company group from Brooklyn, New York City, who are best known for their chart-topping 1961 hit single, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", a sort of remake of the 1939 song "Mbube" by South African singer Solomon Linda.
@jhhjams12342 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much I've such a fan of all your reactions. I'm going to say you have helped me know there are good humans are out there! You also helped me to not worry about Our Portabella part of our pack. She had surgery today and I know about hurrying up and wait. I'm a proud Army Brat and also served. My other half is also veteran. And I appreciate YOUR kindness and also sharing your family. Apologies for rambling on.Thank you for listening. JoAnn Sigby using other half tablet. Thank you again! She is fine.
@julespumachu2 жыл бұрын
Wishing all of you every good thing. Thank you, and yours, for your service. 🩹💖 (a grateful child of generations of veterans.)
@donnelson77976 ай бұрын
I saw a video once where Jay said his granddaughter had told her classmates the he sang this and they didn’t believe her. So she took him to show and tell so he could sing it for them. What a great grandpa
@Jcsardelis2 жыл бұрын
The gentleman on right in the white is Jay Traynor. He was the original Jay of Jay and the Americans.
@GratefulZen2 жыл бұрын
A suggestion for you in a similar vein: “The Israelites” by Desmond Dekker and the Aces. A reggae oldie one-hit wonder with a great sound from 1968. Desmond was Jamaica’s first reggae recording superstar .
@jcbass2u2 жыл бұрын
Still have the original '45, love that song.
@g.moeller3082 жыл бұрын
I second that! Great song.
@damonhines81872 жыл бұрын
This is the version I grew up with!! Love the vocal arrangement. Sounds timeless, amazing!
@Salvation4DJews2 жыл бұрын
I used to laugh every time I heard this song. Lions don't sleep at night. They hunt!
@djhrecordhound43912 жыл бұрын
If I remember right, the original's lyrics are more along the lines of the villagers enjoying a quiet peaceful night because the lions are actually sleeping for once.
@fscottgray97842 жыл бұрын
i love to watch the older groups who still perform their hits and still HAVE IT. Could be a new reaction venue for you. Try BTO live at the Roseland Ballroom
@sheri4c22 жыл бұрын
They are from Brooklyn, NYC. My cousin went to high school with them...Great song...takes me back...way back
@theresareynolds31338 ай бұрын
Solomon Linda aka Mbube was the original singer, and she was from South Africa, so you had it right, the Tokens did the song in 1961. It's amazing how these singers first started their careers in their late teens early 20's and they still sound fantastic, like Bill Medley, Jay Black from Jay and the Americans, The Tokens.
@jillybean42652 жыл бұрын
This song sounds like it started out as a children's book. Always enjoyed singing along since I was a young girl.
@jeannewynne97252 жыл бұрын
What a voice on the female backup singer. Her solo was always my favorite part of the song.
@jimbrentar2 жыл бұрын
it started as an African song names Mbube, which metamorphosed into Wimoweh. Pete Seeger and the Weavers did a version of it. The Tokens' version with English lyrics became the blockbuster that we all love today.
@jimbrentar2 жыл бұрын
here's a link to the original original: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PVgodqjNCVhKc
@jeff9012 жыл бұрын
There was a single released on the Beatles Apple label called "King of Fuh." The artist was Brute Force, but on the label, it says, "Produced by The Tokens."
@fricky111112 жыл бұрын
One of my Favorites... the lady with the high notes is Donna Broom....she used to sing with another oldies group...whose name escapes me.
@smittybenzo46932 жыл бұрын
The original version is from 1939 by a South African man named Solomon Linda. It went by the title "Mbube".
@djhrecordhound43912 жыл бұрын
THANK YOU for that info!!!! I collect 78rpm records, so I might be able to find it.
@rayc2993 Жыл бұрын
This is my Era, The Tokens wrote this song and first did it in the 60's. The movie the lion King used it. Great Reaction. The video from 10 years ago, they are very old but still sounds the same. THIS WAS LIVE AND NO VOICE OVER. I have the whole series of "DO-WAP C.D.'s from the 50's 60's and 70's look that up. DO-WAP ERA.
@195511SM2 жыл бұрын
Probably off of one of those specials that air on PBS. Saw Lulu a few years ago on one of those shows.....singing 'To Sir With Love'. She was still smokin' hot.
@melissadambro88732 жыл бұрын
Wow! His voice was still on top! And the lady who sang the high vocals has an amazing range!
@Cynthia...2 жыл бұрын
Ladysmith Black Mambazo also did this song maybe that’s who you’re thinking of.
@ronnywestberry95032 жыл бұрын
mariam makeeba is an African recording artist from the 60-70's she does the original African version that inspired the Tokens
@djhrecordhound43912 жыл бұрын
Thank you, I forgot her name!! If I remember right, 'wimoweh' wasn't the title either...possibly 'mbube'(?). The original lyrics were something different too
@kentclark64202 жыл бұрын
Yes, as said, this was the same singer performing live many years later, for a public tv doo wop special.
@TheDivayenta Жыл бұрын
The guys are in their 70’s and it’s one of those live PBS “ My Music” fundraiser specials.
@JStarStar002 жыл бұрын
Check out "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" by REM, partially based on this song. As part of the deal allowing REM permission to use the song, they also did a cover version of the original for the B Side
@GinMae2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Jamel! so much fun to hear the "old man" hit those notes.. others have said that it was not "original" to the Tokens.. but still they brought it forward... the original African singers should certainly get credit.. !!!
@HRConsultant_Jeff2 жыл бұрын
They still performed until recently. Tokens did have the hit song but this video was from about 35 years later.
@MsUltrafox2 жыл бұрын
The song is from 1961 and is a remake of the 1939 song Mbube by South African singer Solomon Linda. A fun fact is that the original song version can be heard at the beginning of the movie Comming to America with Eddy Murphy.
@erict9562 жыл бұрын
Oh the story of this song, it was originally written and preformed in the 1930's by a South African Zulu group led by Solomon Linda and was called "Mbube" (Zulu for Lion) a recording of it eventually fell into the hands of Pete Seegar the folk singer/writer who obviously didn't understand Zulu but put some English words to it and called it "Wimoweh". The song was then released by the folk group The Weavers in 1955 just as they were being black listed during the Mccarthy era so it wasn't a bit hit. In 1960 the lead singer of the Tokens found the Weavers version added a few more words and changed it's name to the Lion Sleeps Tonight. Sadly all the original writer Solomon got at the time was $1000 from Pete Seeger thankfully his family have now been correctly compensated. By the way the original is just stunning.
@denisewhite14262 жыл бұрын
It's interesting how you're influenced by your age, and so which years you were listening to the radio, and thus which versions of songs you know and love best. I started listening to the radio around 1970, and although I certainly knew the Tokens' version, "my" version is 1972's by Robert John. It sounds almost identical to the Tokens' version - probably because the Tokens sing back-up on it. But I always remember the bit that sounds like "Hey up a high". Robert John is best known for his other hit, Sad Eyes. I wouldn't be surprised if some people who think this is the one they remember are actually thinking of Robert John's, they sound so similar.
@marthahorrar31852 жыл бұрын
I first heard this on the radio in the late 60's - or very early 70's
@debbienewton9092 жыл бұрын
Song was released by the Tokens in 1961. Wikipedia says, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a song originally written and recorded by Solomon Linda[1] under the title "Mbube"[2] for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939. Linda's original was written in isiZulu, while the English version's lyrics were written by George David Weiss." Wiki has more info. Great song!!
@David_Theisen2 жыл бұрын
George had been doing music with a band in Mesa for several years!! I know this because me and my folks saw them play a good amount of times! But like 4 or 5 years ago George had a massive heart attack on stage and died!! Didn’t see it happen but he was a great singer and friendly guy! Got to talk to him a couple times! RIP George
@anniegoodrich2622 жыл бұрын
A great documentary came out a couple years about the origins of this song. Yes, it was stolen from Africa and the original artists were shafted out of royalties. Worth a watch for sure.
@redhatpat93872 жыл бұрын
I saw them live in a small venue during a "revival" tour back in 1993! They sounded just like the recording then, as they also do in this performance. They had several other hit songs that they also performed at the concert as well as songs that they wrote that were made famous by other singers. And, no, they were not the first group (or singer) to perform this song, BUT, they are the ones whose arrangement of the song was a chart topper! There are several explanations as to the meaning of the song, but all of that aside, it is just a FUN song and a blast to sing along with. It is one of my most favorite songs of all time. 🎶💖🦁
@TechItOut2 жыл бұрын
No not dubbed that is him singing. He is renowned for keeping that amazing voice until his passing.
@barbarascotto38732 жыл бұрын
My sister and I were friend with Mitch and Phil Margo and Mitch's son Damien back in the 90's. This brings back a lot of memories.
@matthewgraham26192 жыл бұрын
I grew up with it sung by the nylons. Later found out they were just a cover band.
@roniboyd6132 жыл бұрын
Yep. Love The Nylons!
@djhrecordhound43912 жыл бұрын
Nothing wrong with enjoying The Nylons, though. They're Canadian "a capella" legends ("a capella" = singing with no instruments) Covers started me into record collecting in my tweens. I had an 8-track of The Blues Brothers, then learned everything they did were covers. Over 35 years later, I still find cool old and new covers across all genres, with LOTS of genre-bent versions of songs (Kid Koala doing an all-DJ-scratch version of the jazz standard "Basin Street Blues", for example) Blah blah blah I'm ranting now lol
@jackmandu2 жыл бұрын
Not just covers, they had a lot of original songs as well.
@kesleycottrell14162 жыл бұрын
This tune is early 60's. What they are doing is actually Doo Woop. It is still cool all these years later.
@jerrybourland33462 жыл бұрын
Check out Cara Mia by Jay and the Americans! Then watch Jay do it in his 70's!
@nancyaylward11762 жыл бұрын
My Brother and I used to dance to this song 60 years ago when I was 5 years old and he was 15 years old. This is the first song I ever danced to. I will remember that forever. The original was better. They were much younger and the high voice was done by one of the band members.
@jaquesdaniels29649 ай бұрын
The song is African , it was recorded back in the '30s by a Zulu group . It was titled Mwabe or Muabe or something like that .
@bethking73482 жыл бұрын
Think it was released in the 50's. Kingston Trio did a great rendition. That is a band that nobody has looked into yet for reviews. Jump ahead of the pack. Check out the merry minuete
@dianaallison61102 жыл бұрын
Wow! Never saw The Tokens this old b4..& it was only guys in the group back in the day. Hav always loved this song! Thx, Jamal 😊😊💕💕 My school football team played against another school who's mascot was the Lions..so they played this song b4 the game..(at school!) 🦁🦁😴😴
@yvonnepeters19142 жыл бұрын
There was a similar one he did on Public television (Ch.2), and it was even better than this one! He is great! I've listened to him and sang to it in my car many, many times. I listened to it for years since I grew up with it. It's in the movie Bucket List too with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nickolson. Keep em coming Jamal. 👍❤🙏
@kellymason552 жыл бұрын
Your tributes to the classics is much appreciated!
@danjohnson29862 жыл бұрын
Timon and pumba forever changed this song for me lol
@jeaninia2 жыл бұрын
Beyond fun!!!
@cristyrawks63252 жыл бұрын
I loved this song back in the day!! I used to sing it out loud around the house all the time. Thx for the video. Singing along for sure. Oh btw, it was one of those unusual songs that made it on the rock/pop stations in the 60s. smh lol But it was written in 1939.
@riffraff602 жыл бұрын
The desire to listen to A Loin Sleeps Tonight is always just a whim away, a whim away ...
@827dusty2 жыл бұрын
This was a PBS tribute to the 1950s called "My Music." They do these in front of a live audience, but they darken the room during the performances.
@5050spec2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Now I want to see if I can find any more of thier live stuff.
@BarbaraPryor-Smith Жыл бұрын
The original refers to the fact that it's the same group that recorded it in 1961. They sound almost like they did then!!
@827dusty2 жыл бұрын
This song was performed by an African artist/and it was from the 1950s or even earlier, The Tokens version is the most famous.
@brucer21522 жыл бұрын
Two great covers of this song. One by The Nylons and one by They Might Be Giants.
@catherineengle41962 жыл бұрын
I have heard this song all my life .... my favorite song as a child.
@sorrystaunton2 жыл бұрын
That was the original original live…..Jay Siegel and the Tokens sang it!!! That was not “pre recorded” it was recorded live in concert in Pittsburgh PA.
@adrianbara-popa99602 жыл бұрын
The original song has its roots in African culture and history. It was a song sung before a hunt. I think it was supposed to bring good luck on the hunt. Anyway, the original lead singer of the Tokens, Jay Seigel, still performs today. I just seen him perform this Spring and he sounds as good as ever.
@gary175092 жыл бұрын
Live! And they also were the original performers way, way, long ago.
@wendyshores67712 жыл бұрын
Hey Jamel, you should check this song out where the hippo and dog dance to it, its such a hoot and will surely make you smile lol Great reaction as usual!
@richdiddens40592 жыл бұрын
It was originally written and recorded by a man in South Africa for the Black African market in 1939. It was covered several times in the '40s and '50s but The Tokens were the first to make it a hit in 1961. Oh, and they released it as a B-side.
@susankeffer85512 жыл бұрын
Jay Segal the lead singer is still going strong but a couple of the other singers have passed away since this was shot. Great stuff !
@djhrecordhound43912 жыл бұрын
They all sang strong up until their respective ends, and it's great that the rest keep going.
@fronkykoko Жыл бұрын
Hear The Bells, B'wanina and Water Prayer are worth checking out by The Tokens...
@davidg.sperry65252 жыл бұрын
Cracks me up. I grew up with this song. This REACTIONS is a great concept and this guy is refreshing
@edithmaxim20412 жыл бұрын
This was probably on a PBS show. The guys in the middle are from the original group.
@sandralorenz17962 жыл бұрын
When they start singing, you will know why you thought that.
@michaellombard8942 жыл бұрын
God when that song came out, it was SUCH a great song. I think I was like 9.
@davidtullis28102 жыл бұрын
First made famous by the Weavers featuring Pete Seeger but because Seegar wrote and preformed pro union and folk song about peace they were blacklisted during the McCarthy years for being 'communist' and Unamerican
@basinstreetdesign52062 жыл бұрын
Pete Seeger
@djhrecordhound43912 жыл бұрын
Yep, it was a huge thing when the Smothers Brothers had him perform on their TV show in 1967 or 68. CBS edited him out, but Canadians saw it unedited
@joycealahouzos40782 жыл бұрын
Still good though after all these years! She nails hers!
@memorylanemodelcars2 жыл бұрын
Ha Ha Jamel "The Tokens" were one of the First ACAPELLA groups they Started out adolescents Entertaining their aunt in the 50s although hugely successful the Music industry ripped this group off many hits they wrote they didn't get money compensation for. In fact other groups made things they wrote famous like Sha Na Na. The Supremes and others I've had the pleasure of attending 3 live Concerts. The Tokens Really involve their audience in performances Unfortunately 3 Of the Tokens members are now deceased
@lennyking18992 жыл бұрын
Never seen a live version of Tokens but I heard Robert John's version first when I was around 12 & I'm 61 now . You also have an eye for music ( I heard snapping AND clapping ) .
@ianalexander5149 Жыл бұрын
Brilliant! Watched this at least a dozen times!
@tennesseenate73142 жыл бұрын
Your reactions are so good love it my man
@johnnyd52852 жыл бұрын
You’re right it was a African song. And this was the original group that recorded it in the early 60’s.
@bobwallace98142 жыл бұрын
This song ranks in my all time top five of songs that I can't change the radio station fast enough to get away from.
@joeyblackmon87472 жыл бұрын
Have you ever listened to any Percy Sledge other than When a man loves a woman? He had so many other fantastic songs that you never hear on the radio, like Out of Left Field, and Sudden Stop. Man you want to feel some soul you need to check those two out.
@jaredc3042 жыл бұрын
IIRC, the original “Mbube” is featured in the Eddie Murphy movie “Coming to America”.
@tgforty52 жыл бұрын
After all these years he still sounds amazing.
@stanleygresswell83152 жыл бұрын
These guys are in their 70's but still bang it out .
@bobschenkel79212 жыл бұрын
Bruce Hornsby is an amazing musician and an even better person. His brief stint with the Grateful Dead was a gift to us Dead Heads, it was like getting two shows in one. But he was not trying to be the center of attention, he was just another cog in the machine, cranking out great songs every night. He puts a lot of heart and soul into his songs, and it shows every time.
@lynngatlin44692 жыл бұрын
I believe the African original used to play on Saturday on the original Tarzan shows back in 30s when this came out. These dudes converted the original song to the American version that's what this is.
@stevenblock97122 жыл бұрын
They had a few other hits. The one I remember was "Portrait of My Love". I even bought that 45.
@redzone77p2 жыл бұрын
I may be wrong, but the woman singing use to sing with the skyliners acapella group.
@GeorgeMaster-xg7lg8 ай бұрын
Robert John released his own version in 1972.
@kennethsaunders71082 жыл бұрын
the did this in the 50's and can still kill it today.
@tammiec49372 жыл бұрын
Robert John recorded a version in 1979. It was a great. This was incredible by the Tokens.
@jeffheim85882 жыл бұрын
1961, depending on when this version came out they are in their late 70s or early 80s
@fumble_brewski5410 Жыл бұрын
Actually, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was the B-side of another Tokens' song "Tina," the A-side release which the group intended to be the initial focus for promotional purposes. In fact, the Tokens didn't really even want to do "The Lion" at all, as they felt it was just too different and odd sounding. But their manager finally persuaded them to record "The Lion" and the rest, as they say, is history.