The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight | REACTION

[@jamelakajamal]

‘JUST BE A GOOD HUMAN’ Hoodies, Hats, and More, Enter Promo Code ‘Jamel’ jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store.creator-spring.com/

[@tennesseenate7314]

Love your videos they are so awesome

[@jillybean4265]

Recieved my Tshirt, very nice. Thanks.

[@stevefarms7494]

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

[@willyg7491]

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

[@davelaughlin9286]

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

[@mariehough6600]

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.

[@laruewatson6881]

Not the originators. Was decades old when they covered it. Watch history of The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

[@TheDivayenta]

@@laruewatson6881 the originators of that particular hit recording in the US.

[@malagastehlaate230]

Me too loved this song!

[@teddtarr]

The Tokens' version is actually 61 years old. -- I remember it well from my high school days.

[@paulwhite5840]

Agreed!

[@rjhm5746]

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!

[@djhrecordhound4391]

They'd kept their voices great even until more recently!

[@barbarascotto3873]

Brooklyn, my hometown 💗

[@iabconsulting]

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.

[@iabconsulting]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PVgodqjNCVhKc This is the original version.

[@dawnkaroub7153]

Wow thanks for sharing. I didn't know that. I thought it was an original in 1961!❤

[@tonysalecki]

Indeed kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PVgodqjNCVhKc

[@michellegiordano841]

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.

[@edevard9048]

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.

[@scorpiouk5914]

And how he was able to keep that smooth falsetto is beyond me.

[@timoteo950]

@@scorpiouk5914 Absolutely. Never stop training or lose it.

[@mikeat2637]

I saw them live several times way back then, great vocals.

[@scorpiouk5914]

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.

[@luckylady7542]

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.😊❤

[@ajruther67]

The fact he could still hit those notes all those years later is amazing!

[@ramonarellano4988]

I'm not sure that this performance was actually a live version, I think they were using the original recording in their PA system.

[@ajruther67]

@@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.

[@ramonarellano4988]

@@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".

[@Crimsonams]

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.

[@richardkawucha1232]

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.

[@Hobodeluxe960]

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.

[@mlbw1966]

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 ....

[@Jcsardelis]

It was originally sung by Solomon Linda in 1939 called Mbube. Solomon Linda was from South Africa.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

I cannot believe how good they sounded so many years later. The dude kept his vocal cords in great shape.

[@marthahorrar3185]

I first heard this on the radio in the late 60's - or very early 70's

[@Gonzo614]

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.

[@damonhines8187]

This is the version I grew up with!! Love the vocal arrangement. Sounds timeless, amazing!

[@Jcsardelis]

The gentleman on right in the white is Jay Traynor. He was the original Jay of Jay and the Americans.

[@GratefulZen]

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 .

[@jcbass2u]

Still have the original '45, love that song.

[@g.moeller308]

I second that! Great song.

[@jhhjams1234]

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.

[@julespumachu]

Wishing all of you every good thing. Thank you, and yours, for your service. 🩹💖 (a grateful child of generations of veterans.)

[@sheri4c2]

They are from Brooklyn, NYC. My cousin went to high school with them...Great song...takes me back...way back

[@fscottgray9784]

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

[@fricky11111]

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.

[@jillybean4265]

This song sounds like it started out as a children's book. Always enjoyed singing along since I was a young girl.

[@melissadambro8873]

Wow! His voice was still on top! And the lady who sang the high vocals has an amazing range!

[@dianaallison6110]

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!) 🦁🦁😴😴

[@smittybenzo4693]

The original version is from 1939 by a South African man named Solomon Linda. It went by the title "Mbube".

[@djhrecordhound4391]

THANK YOU for that info!!!! I collect 78rpm records, so I might be able to find it.

[@195511SM]

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.

[@Cynthia...]

Ladysmith Black Mambazo also did this song maybe that’s who you’re thinking of.

[@jeannewynne9725]

What a voice on the female backup singer. Her solo was always my favorite part of the song.

[@BernardBouchard-qq9kq]

Pittsburghs Donna Groom of the Skyliners Pittsburghs Kelly De fade also does it.

[@JStarStar00]

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

[@catherineengle4196]

I have heard this song all my life .... my favorite song as a child.

[@jimbrentar]

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.

[@jimbrentar]

here's a link to the original original: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PVgodqjNCVhKc

[@redhatpat9387]

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. 🎶💖🦁

[@kentclark6420]

Yes, as said, this was the same singer performing live many years later, for a public tv doo wop special.

[@donnelson7797]

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

[@827dusty]

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.

[@denisewhite1426]

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.

[@ronnywestberry9503]

mariam makeeba is an African recording artist from the 60-70's she does the original African version that inspired the Tokens

[@djhrecordhound4391]

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

[@Salvation4DJews]

I used to laugh every time I heard this song. Lions don't sleep at night. They hunt!

[@djhrecordhound4391]

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.

[@GinMae]

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.. !!!

[@bethking7348]

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

[@jeff901]

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."

[@rayc2993]

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.

[@debbienewton909]

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_Theisen]

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

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

They still performed until recently. Tokens did have the hit song but this video was from about 35 years later.

[@yvonnepeters1914]

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. 👍❤🙏

[@jerrybourland3346]

Check out Cara Mia by Jay and the Americans! Then watch Jay do it in his 70's!

[@davidtullis2810]

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

[@basinstreetdesign5206]

Pete Seeger

[@djhrecordhound4391]

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

[@lennyking1899]

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 ) .

[@MsUltrafox]

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.

[@matthewgraham2619]

I grew up with it sung by the nylons. Later found out they were just a cover band.

[@roniboyd613]

Yep. Love The Nylons!

[@djhrecordhound4391]

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

[@jackmandu]

Not just covers, they had a lot of original songs as well.

[@TheDivayenta]

The guys are in their 70’s and it’s one of those live PBS “ My Music” fundraiser specials.

[@erict956]

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.

[@brucer2152]

Two great covers of this song. One by The Nylons and one by They Might Be Giants.

[@bobschenkel7921]

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.

[@nancyaylward1176]

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.

[@richdiddens4059]

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.

[@joycealahouzos4078]

Still good though after all these years! She nails hers!

[@theresareynolds3133]

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.

[@rjhm5746]

Solomon Linda was a man who recorded this song in Zulu in 1939.

[@5050spec]

Thanks. Now I want to see if I can find any more of thier live stuff.

[@danjohnson2986]

Timon and pumba forever changed this song for me lol

[@anniegoodrich262]

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.

[@kellymason55]

Your tributes to the classics is much appreciated!

[@susankeffer8551]

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 !

[@djhrecordhound4391]

They all sang strong up until their respective ends, and it's great that the rest keep going.

[@barbarascotto3873]

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.

[@adrianbara-popa9960]

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.

[@cristyrawks6325]

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.

[@827dusty]

This song was performed by an African artist/and it was from the 1950s or even earlier, The Tokens version is the most famous.

[@gary17509]

Live! And they also were the original performers way, way, long ago.

[@jaquesdaniels2964]

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 .

[@memorylanemodelcars]

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

[@kesleycottrell1416]

This tune is early 60's. What they are doing is actually Doo Woop. It is still cool all these years later.

[@sorrystaunton]

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.

[@sandralorenz1796]

When they start singing, you will know why you thought that.

[@BarbaraPryor-Smith]

The original refers to the fact that it's the same group that recorded it in 1961. They sound almost like they did then!!

[@jeaninia]

Beyond fun!!!

[@TechItOut]

No not dubbed that is him singing. He is renowned for keeping that amazing voice until his passing.

[@beadybaby]

I think they sang this on Sha Na Na. Don’t remember if it was the Sha Na Na guys or the actual band though. The name of the band makes me think of Token on South Park. Yes because I am of an age where my entire life is in reference to pop-culture lol.

[@tammiec4937]

Robert John recorded a version in 1979. It was a great. This was incredible by the Tokens.

[@joeyblackmon8747]

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.

[@fronkykoko]

Hear The Bells, B'wanina and Water Prayer are worth checking out by The Tokens...

[@davidg.sperry6525]

Cracks me up. I grew up with this song. This REACTIONS is a great concept and this guy is refreshing

[@jaredc304]

IIRC, the original “Mbube” is featured in the Eddie Murphy movie “Coming to America”.

[@edithmaxim2041]

This was probably on a PBS show. The guys in the middle are from the original group.

[@bobwallace9814]

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.

[@johnnyd5285]

You’re right it was a African song. And this was the original group that recorded it in the early 60’s.

[@lynngatlin4469]

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.

[@wendyshores6771]

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!

[@stevenblock9712]

They had a few other hits. The one I remember was "Portrait of My Love". I even bought that 45.

[@michaellombard894]

God when that song came out, it was SUCH a great song. I think I was like 9.

[@pinupdoll97]

All time fave earwig!!!

[@micheleromano2966]

Please react to the Israelites by Desmond decker. Old reggae!!

[@jeffheim8588]

1961, depending on when this version came out they are in their late 70s or early 80s

[@riffraff60]

The desire to listen to A Loin Sleeps Tonight is always just a whim away, a whim away ...

[@SweetThing]

There is no audio dub over this, this was Live. And these guys (and woman) were always great live, 50 years later! Some people just can't believe the Tokens are this good live.

[@KateinLB]

You are spot on Jamal! Great tune The Lion Sleeps Tonight 💖. I love that the old men can still rock that tune! You Need to check out Pata Pata as well. Mariam Macimbe (s). African singers and song. You can also hear African “click talk” behind it. Hit in the 1970s!!

[@cathycochrane1699]

You should listen to Ladysmith Black Mambazo/Mint Juleps' version of this song. LBM are an African group, the Mint Juleps are British. Also there was a group called Osibisa that achieved some success in the 70's made up of 4 African members and 3 from the Caribbean. More recently Wiyaala, from Ghana, did an excellent cover of the Osibisa song Woyaya which is based on a traditional Ghanian song.

[@tgforty5]

After all these years he still sounds amazing.

[@redzone77p]

I may be wrong, but the woman singing use to sing with the skyliners acapella group.