THIS IS TOO AWESOME!! THE TOKENS - THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT (REACTION)

[@detroitpolak9904]

I could not hear this song for ten years and STILL hit every word, intonation and inflection perfectly. Well, my singing sucks but you know what I mean.

[@kentclark6420]

Us old folks have heard this song so many times, it's hard to imagine somebody hearing it for the first time! I can only imagine how it must feel.

[@jamesgamble5071]

Damn Skippy!!! But I think I still feel the same way now, as I felt the first time I heard the The Lion sleeps to!!!! Old Folks just close their eyes and Drift Back and Smile!!! I hope that my words find you and yours blessed and doing well!!! Rocking Roll Never Forget!!!!

[@deborahchouinard7175]

So many times, but I still love it.

[@patriciablumenstock8784]

Love your name….Superman!

[@jamesgamble5071]

@@patriciablumenstock8784 Remember were there is Clark Kent, a Lois Lane is soon to follow!!!! Have a blessed day!!

[@norasalkowski7394]

We have had the best music growing up.. glad you can feel all the vibe.

[@frankortiz237]

You don't realize, how much it means to me alone, that you would embrace the field of music to better understand not only people, but our Nation, cause in my time, the music helped build our country,each and everyone whose music we were listening to.

[@joannevincent2035]

You have hit the doo wop JACKPOT!!!! "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a masterpiece. The original recording is in the Zulu language of South Africa, where it was introduced in 1939. The song originated the a capella singing style now heard with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

[@Emilyhildegaard1]

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is GREAT. I was privileged to hear them, live, when I lived in Northern California a number of years back.

[@larrycrawley-woods4515]

Yes.....intended almost as a lullaby for children, assuring them that everything is okay, all is well.....the lion is asleep, i.e., the village is safe....

[@soniasurija8880]

I love Ladysmith Black Mambazo saw them back in the day with Paul Simon, brilliant concert

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Joanne! exactly right :)

[@avidrdr5640]

@@soniasurija8880 Their "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" is a masterpiece!!!

[@stparisian]

Shawn says, “It’s happening again!” 😂😂🥰🥰🥰

[@ds8680]

You two people are the best! You are listening to all my favorite songs! Greetings from Surinam and Holland.

[@JC-eq6is]

For anyone who might have ever wondered where Paul Simon got the influence and inspiration for the irresistibly wonderful music he wrote and recorded on the albums 'Graceland' and 'Rhythm Of The Saints' in the late 1980s, and that he performed live in his 1991 world tour that included a live free concert in Central Park that drew 750,000 people and was broadcast nationwide on cable, this is it. This clip features the 1956 reworking, by an American group called The Diamonds, of a song originally composed and first recorded by a South African musician in 1939. The Diamonds' version was a massive hit that sold over 2 million copies and occupied the #1 position on the Billboard Top 100 chart for several weeks. The music recorded on the above named albums by Paul Simon, and performed throughout his 1991 world tour, was heavily influenced by African melodies and rhythmic patterns, and featured a veritable who's who of African (particularly South African) musicians, singers and dancers. World-class in every way, winner of Grammy award and multiple platinum worldwide sales. I attended the September '91 concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater outside of Denver, and every minute of it was a pure delight ... entertainment par excellence and nourishment for the soul. Unforgettable.

[@poppalamboldmartyrcooking4486]

That's when I see you guys at your best.

[@tonycocchiola7192]

The Tokens were also record producers.for a lot of groups from the fifties til now

[@barrycohen311]

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a song originally written and recorded by Solomon Linda under the title "Mbube" for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939. Linda's original was written in Zulu, while the English version's lyrics were written by George David Weiss.

[@MarMar-ww6qj]

Solomon Linda's recording. ://kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXmTc6WmeLBjecU

[@rachelsullivan2926]

Glad I wasn't the only one who thought to give the original writing credits in the comments. :)

[@carolannpacificadam1944]

Thank you for the information...I absolutely loved reading this !!!

[@jimstacy7009]

Remember that's back before they had all of these gadgets that make your voice sound so much better them boys singing with your pure voices

[@geoffreyfletcher9426]

I first heard this over 50 years ago ... AND ... i still haven't grown tired of it!

[@ElectricAngel19]

I have loved this song for over 40 yrs. since i was a child

[@tannonwraith4692]

I'm digging you guys digging on some of the greatest music ever made!

[@ajruther67]

LOVE this song. That singer's high note is incredible. I keep loving it that you keep exploring so many Golden Oldies. That's what they're called 50's and 60's music. That is because the music is part of the Golden Era of Hollywood, The Golden Age of the 20th century. The Golden Era of Hollywood (movies, actors and actresses) actually spans from the 30's to the 60's.

[@Alan_CFA]

The high female voice was Anita Darian, an opera singer. She was a soprano with a four-octave range and died age 87 in 2015. The part was not supposed to be that high because the Tokens didn’t think anyone could sing that high, but she said “let’s try it”. What a talent - her voice was utilized masterfully in this song.

[@sbird8675]

@@Alan_CFA when my friends did a karaoke version of this song a few years ago, I sang the high female voice. I have operatic/classical training, which definitely helps with control at the high range.

[@romamazza5881]

The only girl in this group did those very high notes! Also the lead singer! I wish you were seeing them live!

[@54nomore]

I cannot believe you are playing a song from 1960 when I was just a 6yr. old boy. This monstrous hit has been done by so many since it first was done by "The Tokens" in 1960. It is one of those songs which became a sing along song by people everywhere. And it captured the worlds imagination? It was epic. I get to enjoy this song again as a now senior citizen of 67yrs. Thanks for the memories and going down the 60's rabbit hole. Note: There is a live version of this on You Yube that shows them singing the song in a make-believe jungle. I know you will appreciate seeing what they look and sounded like back in 1960. The Soprano part of the song is sung by Opera Singer Ms. Anita Darian. She was not credited in the song although you can hear her high vocals in the background during the saxophone break. She died on February 1st, 2015, at age 87. Her contribution to the song will be remembered for decades to come. R.I.P. Anita Darien... Great reaction as always.

[@edprzydatek8398]

This was actually recorded by Pete Seeger before The Tokens and by the writer of the song, Solomon Linda before that.

[@enchantedwooddesigns3462]

Six years younger than me. I can remember this song and loving it as a kid. Plus the Monkees tv theme and the Batman theme.

[@normansmithers4465]

take a listen to the unusual but brilliant version of, 'wimoweh'.

[@vyimbvbe6272]

It was first made by Solomon Linda.

[@jessieball6195]

1961, actually.

[@smedleybutler1969]

I am loving this Do Wop journey you are on!

[@Mrpeaceandlove76]

God I love you 2. I have severe depression and anxiety but watching you 2 put a genuine smile on my face and I actually laugh which never happens. Thank you for being you.

[@sylviaspink3029]

My grandson is 13years old and his music teacher taught his class this song and he ❤ it

[@SusanAllen-m3o]

The pure joy on your faces is wonderful to see. I love you guys so much!!

[@dawnmanzetti1633]

My kindergarten class- yes I’m that old- sang this at a school concert. Lol

[@megan22004]

OMG !!! Y'ALL ARE TOOOO CUTE!!!!

[@glennbrickle2407]

A good feel song im 64 and still move when i hear this song.

[@taroryu5455]

おふたりの 自然に音楽をたしなむ姿を見て 元気をもらってます これからもいろいろな音楽を聴いてください

[@sorrystaunton]

You should listen to the live version they did on a PBS special…..they’re all in their 70’s and still hitting the notes an incredible performance.

[@TangoEliott]

It was awesome!!

[@markwilliams5606]

Doo woop. Sha na na at Woodstock 🤠🇺🇸🐎✌️

[@rockubtzer]

This song hit number #1 on the charts in 61 and number #3 in 1972. became popular again in The movie The Lion King.

[@GTLyons]

I am laughing so loud right now!!!! You two make me smile every time no mater what song.... thumbs up!

[@lynnieiapichino1121]

I was 3!! And still remember!☮️💙🌟

[@MrPhoebe28]

I was 15 loving this song about 1963.👍

[@carolreynolds3650]

Hi, you two are cuter than a couple of fluffy pups, love your enthusiasm, & reactions!! I'm 79 now, but still love this after all these years, thanks for the memories!!!

[@terrisue4059]

I took my 3yr old daughter to a concert with The Tokens and Fabian back in the day. She is now 33 and knows all the classic music. I wanted her to know good music....now she is passing it on to her kids. Keep digging you two, there is so much out there to hear.

[@terrisue4059]

@@michaelasay8587 for sure. They were a little older, but still sounded great.

[@katie-didellis2437]

My husband and I are divorced, but the one thing we agreed on was our children were going to know the good music. Both of us introduced our kids to the sixties the 70s the 50s all of it. And David used to play this game with the kids in the car. Who sings this song and the kids always would answer is he alive or dead. To this day my kids are now 41 and 38 and they still love those 50 60 70 songs. My son says our parents raised us right.

[@bostonvair]

This song has a very interesting history. It was based on a song written by South African musician Solomon Linda in the 1930s entitled "Mbube" (Zulu for "Lion."). It spawned a whole style of music called Mbube which is a more uptempo variation of the Isicathamiya style of music, best known in the US by the music of the band Ladysmith Black Mambazo (who backed Paul Simon in the 1980s on his album "Graceland" and were prominently featured in the hit song "Diamonds in the Soles of Her Shoes"). Folk singer Pete Seeger recorded version of the song called "Wimaweh" and later, the Tokens recorded the iconic rendition of this reaction. Interestingly, the Broadway play version of "The Lion King" features a lot of music in the style of "Mbube" to get a feel for what it's like. There is a long story about the descendents of Solomon Linda delays in receiving proper royalties for his original composition as well if you want to go down the Wikipedia rabbit hole.

[@carolreynolds3650]

Love your inserted facts, very interesting & informative, nice going!

[@highpath4776]

I get the feeling that although described as a lullaby in concept, this kind of song style would have been sung whilst doing farm chores- like winnowing grains, reaping crops grown , sowing seeds. Although of Africa, it has a similar lilt vibe to the traditional English !one man went to mow! song, created for scything acreage by hand in a measured way so as to not cut the foot off the chap in front !

[@sandyr-w6906]

From your reaction when the song started, you were not expecting to be so good. I completely enjoyed this reaction, I want to watch again and again. Am I the only one that enjoyed so much, and feels that needs to watch again?

[@sherlynnademont8198]

"Who sings soprano in The Lion Sleeps Tonight? Darian She appeared in several television productions of musicals and operas from the 1950s to the 1970s. Darian also sang the female soprano portion on The Tokens' 1961 #1 hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Her high counterpoint to the lead and backup singers was an astounding merging of her operatic training and the pop genre." Looked up this s what got. I grew up with these guys I loved this group so much.

[@2Cambourne]

Those high notes were being sung by Opera and Broadway and Musical Theatre Singer, Soprano Ms. Anita Darian. She added so much to the song and got very little to no credit for her contribution to this classic song. It's a crying shame that most people do not know this. I just wanted to give her credit for adding so much to this song. She passed away on February 1st. 2015. She was 87 years old. May she rest in peace.

[@CarolynStewart-v5q]

Thank you for acknowledging. Anita Darian for the fantastic vocals she adds to this amazing song.

[@richdiana3663]

Everything about this song works. Been loving it for 50 years.

[@donnabruhn6907]

Was 10 yr old at an ice rink when this song came on and I had to dance, which was not easy with skates on

[@livinglegend3876]

I saw the Tokens Live in 1962 and they had Zola Taylor as the back up singer hitting the high notes. Zola was awesome and sang with the Platters. You should check out "Only You" by The Platters.

[@Michelle-day]

I found you two adorable people 2 hours ago and haven't left. 👍😁💥

[@stacyjo2673]

I love how y'all don't discriminate with any music. No matter what genre, content, time frame. Y'all truly enjoy all kinds of music, and it's so fun to watch. Thank you for your vibe.

[@beverlysanders4209]

This song is so well known it’s a classic and I love you guys diving into this older music . It was and is amazing it’s just sad most younger people today will never listen to these classics and enjoy them

[@maryreilly5092]

We are all connected through Music and the Blessings God bestowed on those so talented to sing and to play instruments so beautifully. Praise Him all day, every day.

[@johneldridge8678]

Amen!!!

[@caretaker158]

I have always loved this song but omg now all I can think of is that little animated video with the hippo and the dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bernie66]

Thanks for the memories. I saw them when they did their casino tour, I thoroughly enjoyed them. You both know how to appreciate our music. I do have to give kudos to all the bands, singers and other genres of music, R & B being my favorite. Love your reactions, your both top notch in my book.❤🎶🫶👋

[@mikelsaltym2676]

Another must listen is The Diamonds Little Darlin

[@sandyleewhite]

Just when I thought I couldn't love you guys any more, you go and do this reaction, & I do 💕💕💕

[@julienielsen4462]

This is like synchronized dancing, lol. The whole team singing together. I guess this was difficult to do. Cute song.

[@kathyrizzi8754]

I was 11 when this great song played on the radio, it takes me back to good memories of dancing with my friends, doing the line dance to: The Lion Sleep’s Tonight! 👏👏👏👏💙💖👍

[@sh00k0nez28]

This has to be the best reaction I have ever seen to hearing music it’s great 👍

[@josephhoskins4032]

I love u two u two r amazing u all made my day thank u God bless you two

[@josephhoskins4032]

Think u

[@CarolynStewart-v5q]

I was 10 years old when this song was a hit. I loved it then not knowing what this was all about but hearing it again along with the two of you brought me back to a simpler time.

[@mikecaetano]

The Weavers introduced this tune to the U.S. in 1952 under the title "Wimoweh". Miriam Makeba recorded a more traditional version of the song in 1960 under the title "Mbube". The Tokens scored their only hit with their adaptation in 1961. Makeba also scored a U.S. hit in 1967 with another South African tune "Pata Pata", which echoes something of the feeling of "Iko Iko", the New Orleans classic popularized by The Dixie Cups in 1965.

[@Lori0Tas]

Makeba's Pata Pata, sometimes called the "click song" should be part of everyone's song library.

[@daleburkett4141]

Bass singer singing "Way up High" LOVE IT!!!

[@vernonmurphy2912]

Just found you two a few weeks ago and I must say I have now found my favorite reaction Channel! I am 64 years old and I love watching you young people react to the songs that we grew up on, we love them then and we love them now and are so thankful and blessed that these pieces AR finding a new audience keep it up guys, you're awesome!

[@danwilliams9299]

At 65 yrs old its soo much fun seeing you react to this timeless classic sing along from bk when i was just a kid. Puts a smile on my face again. We had some good music didnt we!! Dans a fan. 12/12/21

[@odiebryer2144]

Boy, you two have hit the jackpot tonight! This song was SOOOOOOO POPULAR back in the day! I loved this song! ❤ !

[@jessieball6195]

still is.

[@lynndamico1448]

Grew up listening to this ,so you generation enjoys it also.

[@marablemorgan8292]

Because you do so many awesome songs...!!!

[@barefootanimist]

There's a good reason this song is a standard for Acapella groups. It's a lot of fun, and there's loads you can do with it. Check out Out of the Blue (Oxford) and their rendition, or the version done by Straight No Chaser...

[@davisworth5114]

Watching young people react to the music I grew up with is like hearing it again for the first time. You are a great couple, you are upbeat, no bad language, great reactions. It's hard to believe it's a man doing those falsettos. I think this number would be good for your intro, who needs Robert Palmer?

[@marvinabigby5509]

We didn't have much of anything growning up poor in a small town but God we had fantastic music tysm for taking me back

[@jessii27star]

You two are amazing! Grinning ear to ear watching your reaction. I grew up with this song and it is a beautiful one!

[@gillian5005]

This song reminds me that you might also like "The good, the bad and the ugly" performed by the Danish National symphony Orchestra. It's the theme song to the movie of the same name. Really great one to hear and see performed.

[@stephenulmer3781]

That's ones really good but im going to suggest "The Good The Bad and The Ugly by Hugo Montenegro as well 😁

[@lorrainewylie6975]

Oh yes totally agree, definately, "The Good The Bad and The Ugly" by the Danish National Orchestra is a must listen to, mind blowing!!

[@mdfield1]

‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ came out in 1951 em when I was 11. What a great song!! Brings back so many good memories of friends and good times. Also consider that there were no gimmicks such as auto-tune in those days. The tones and harmonies of The Tokens was second to none. I am SO pleased that you “discovered” them.

[@janedc5ch319]

I remember this from 1963 ? Reminds me of my young adult time. Love the oldies. Great music

[@BelindaTN]

Blast from my past. I was a kid when this came out and we all loved it. Nothing funnier than little kids trying to sing this. We get so tickled trying to sing words we had no idea what they were, and hitting these high notes, while screaming in the back ground. Lol we loved this song more than any adult could. Seriously. These singers are amazing singers.

[@johnnylightning203]

This is OUR music! Us oldie, mouldie buggers, who danced our asses off to this stuff! Keep goin' guys! You're a joy to watch! Can I make a suggestion? "Denise" and "In Your Letter" by Randy and the Rainbows. Another top notch doo wop gang with equally awesome pipes!

[@michaelway7936]

Just Googled who the female who sang the soprano part- her name was Anita Durian,she unfortunately passed away in 2015(she was 87)but she made a great song even more memorable with her range

[@rebeccalipps8007]

When I turned 6, my dad gifted me a carry-case of 45rpms & a portable phonograph. The 45s were ones he had collected since his teen years & this was one of those 45s that I played over & over. I went through 5 needles playing records until I blew the speakers on that poor phonograph.

[@stevegans3517]

If anyone ever told me they disliked this song I'd get as far from them as I could.

[@robertahrendt67]

I can't stay mad, when I hear this song. When I hear it, I just start smiling and swaying.

[@fishydigit]

Had to watch this one again...

[@alcyone9361]

Even Helen Keller would smile when this one came on. And the Tokens are still performing and hitting these notes 60 years later.

[@TangoEliott]

This is from my old days when I was single digits or barely 2 digits in age. I freaking loved it and sang it from the depth of my lungs. I remember the adults would laugh. Great song.

[@makalabeckerleg1109]

The best song to have set for your morning alarm,,,lol...

[@patriciaesposito8941]

Yikes, I’m back in high school again. We had such fun and simple songs in the 60’s.

[@gaussshawn]

Love the reaction, I was smiling the whole time.

[@diannegrimm9973]

That dude wi me h that High soprano voice is awesome . I love this song sang every word right along.

[@mikefixx7177]

I totally agree, the music today is nothing like the past music. I seen them play live and they are amazing

[@Prozak63]

I laughed so hard watching you feel this song! Absolutely loved it. I grew up back during this era. It's also featured in "The Lion King".

[@sergiolobato1798]

This was originally taken from a African folk song and American folk legend Pete Seeger introduced it to American audiences . The original composer wasn't given credit for his song until years later.

[@trishexploring1508]

One of the happiest memories of my childhood has to do with this song. It will always make my heart burst with joy when I hear it ☺️❤️

[@charleslarson6961]

I remember in Jr. High School, 1963, some girls had brought a portable record player and a 45 single with this song on it and played it during lunch. They were screaming and dancing, a crowd gathered, and everybody was just blown away! Good memories, good times. I wish more people could share this sort of thing today.

[@rosyv9436]

First time I heard this song was back in the late 70s I was probably like 9 or 10 years old and ever since I loved it great beautiful song!!!! LOVE IT!!!! 💙💚💜💙💚💜

[@charliealvaradovideoseries7700]

Shawn & Mel sorry she’s born in 1917 is when Ella came on, I listened to her in the 60’s & 70’s but she was around until 1996 is when went home, but her voice was one of a kind. Please gave her a reaction that you will love her singing, she has a song with Louis Armstrong.

[@wandajaneburlinson5288]

Thank you! I had forgotten how much I loved that song as a child. 🥰

[@itmademesignup9508]

Ha ha, awesome to see people hear this song for the first time. It is absolutely nothing like what is expected. Glad these two liked it!

[@AndieO]

Love this song. Reminds my of my childhood. My mom loved this.

[@franklinhall7258]

Watching you gave me the biggest smile in a long time. Thank You!!!!

[@mooknick242]

i read awhile back that this song hit number 1 in more countries than any other song ever has.

[@joannamcpeak7531]

You all have sweet smiles😄 And this is one of my favoritest songs..

[@jeanettedegiulio8220]

I had to check myself that I might be OCD because this is the fifth time I have watched this reaction video. Your happiness is so contagious. You truly are the best.

[@sloobyanthony572]

I thank you for the enjoyment I had watching you 2 enjoy that song. You had your headphones on which is the best way to listen to the song. Can't go wrong with enjoying a song!!!! Music can change the world 🌎.

[@donnavovk9833]

You too have just made my day.I remember when I was 3.That was the first song I ever sang and your reaction to it. Warms my heart and you made me laugh😂❤

[@jmcquown]

Thank you! Absolutely straight up and down vocal talent and range. I'm so glad for those observations. No voice machines. People had to harmonize back then without electronic help. Kind of amazing, isn't it? :)

[@realcoolbreeze]

We get a big kick out of you guys. We have heard most all of these songs and it s fun to see you react like we did when we were kids.. When we see you laugh, we re laughing with you and it s a fun time. Much respect.😊👍🔥

[@debbiedeshong5602]

The high note singer was Darian She appeared in several television productions of musicals and operas from the 1950s to the 1970s. Darian also sang the female soprano portion on The Tokens' 1961 #1 hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Her high counterpoint to the lead and backup singers was an astounding merging of her operatic training and the pop genre.

[@jmcquown]

Thanks for your reaction! I used to hear this song on the radio years after it was first released but it always made me want to smile and sway and sing along. :) You should check out the version they did live when they were in their 70's. Their vocals sound exactly the same.