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

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[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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 !!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@GTLyons]

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

[@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 !

[@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!!!

[@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!!!

[@tannonwraith4692]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@smedleybutler1969]

I am loving this Do Wop journey you are on!

[@richdiana3663]

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

[@julienielsen4462]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@jessii27star]

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

[@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 ☺️❤️

[@concertinamadrigals4058]

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...

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.😊👍🔥

[@geoffreyfletcher9426]

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

[@julieford8788]

Y’all are just too adorable! I love when younger ones discover the amazing music from the past. My Mom and Dad grew up in the 50’s so of course we grew up listening too. Just as I grew up in the 70’s , my kids know that era of music. Kids today need to experience the beauty of different genres of music. Keep up the good times… 💓💓

[@willowb1527]

Because of you guys being so great. You make us smile. Good vibes all around. Love you guys have a very magical evening. ♥️✌️

[@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

[@lindamathias6230]

Originally this song was written by Solomon Linda, titled Mbube in Zulu. Read the history behind this

[@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?

[@mooknick242]

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

[@mikefixx7177]

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

[@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.

[@user-cd7ds7cs3z]

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

[@laurogarza4953]

This piece, like the Beach Boys "Good Vibrations," was a masterpiece. It was also culturally significant and used in both movies, "Madagascar" and TV shows including and episode of "Friends."

[@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".

[@bry8784]

OML I love you guys and your reactions to some of the best music there is - there is nothing like the 50s, 60s and 70s. Keep on this journey - its a huge rabbit hole

[@robertahrendt67]

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

[@AndieO]

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

[@gaussshawn]

Love the reaction, I was smiling the whole time.

[@garygagliardi5035]

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

[@amicouvillionwilson1824]

This is my mom's favorite song of all time. She even requested it be played at her memorial service when she passes away. Love it !

[@stephenulmer3781]

I love your channel and how cool you guys are. Thanks for doing all the great Oldies ❤

[@toddmyers1586]

Thank you guys for bringing some positive energy and love to the world. I appreciate you!

[@imocchidoro]

Can't not love this. Gives me chills.

[@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.

[@user-cd7ds7cs3z]

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.

[@romamazza5881]

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

[@sabrinamarkos7099]

I love watching your reactions. You guys really embrace music of all types. It's so much fun watching your journey of discovery 👍🏾👵🏿🎵💖

[@richardmartin9565]

Great hit at the time too.

[@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.

[@sandyleewhite]

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

[@ogmandog]

Hi my two locos. Could you react to Humble Pie doing Black Coffee with the legendary Blackberries singing backup, on the old grey whistle program from the UK. Thank you for all you do!

[@donnabruhn6907]

Can we request my all time favorite song do wop was the Flamingos I Only Have Eyes for You

[@stparisian]

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

[@richierich4538]

I was having a bad day today.....turned on your channel to hear some music to forget about it, and before i knew it, i was smiling from ear to ear!!!Thank you two for this reaction!! I hope you realize how much happiness you can bring!😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@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.

[@josephhoskins4032]

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

[@josephhoskins4032]

Think u

[@lindabrittner5062]

It was a joy to watch you both experience this monumental song for the first time. As it did when I was a kid back in the 60s, it still brings a sense of sweeping majesty. I got goosebumps watching right along with you!

[@stevegans3517]

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

[@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.

[@jeannewalker2863]

Love your reaction to the music of my teen years. I had the same look of astonishment that Shawn had the first time I heard this song. Thanks for the memories.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

One of my favorite radio singalongs!! Comes from African song

[@ajruther67]

Shawn looks like he's rowing a boat during the "weeoh aweem away" part, lol

[@kathifielder1110]

What a great adventure you're on! There's a live version of this from 1963 and also several live performances that they did in later years. I don't know if you've experienced Anne Murray's voice yet, but I'd like to request her singing "Christmas Wishes".

[@giuliogrifi7739]

"That is perfection"...that's also a perfectly apt sentence !!!...wonderful, wonderful reaction guys !!.....that's a crazy song from South Africa !.....I suggest you to react to the cover by THE WEAVERS (with title of Wimoweh) year 1952 !

[@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.

[@alcyone9361]

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

[@debbiethomasson2709]

Still doing it today!! My husband graduated in 1969 from HS...the best year ever according to him... His HS mascot was a Lion, can you imagine? The reallllly high notes were from a woman.

[@j20tower]

I didn’t think anyone never heard this song. One of the most famous songs ever. You guys got to get out more lol

[@brendawoodson3230]

The Flamingos I only have eyes for you

[@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

[@carolsamela1780]

I've heard this song before, and I love your reactiion to it!! You guys have become my favorites .....by far!! I watch you everyday.

[@carollittle1059]

I told you! Saw them on live Doo Wop show a couple of years ago.. this song is in Disney's Lion King. The lead singers granddaughter told her friends her grandpa sang the original and when they didn't believe her, he went ro rhe school and sang it for the whole school.

[@heyou702pc]

OMG! Your reaction is priceless. You're the best! Great reaction ❤

[@Krisna_K]

One of my all time favorite songs! I used to be able to hit the female high notes but lost a lot of range from having too many tubes down my throat (surgeries, feeding tube, respirator tube, etc.). I spent a week in a coma in late 2002! Prior to that I have a 5 octave vocal range but not anymore! But I’m lucky to be alive so it’s okay!

[@meagancarlson3471]

You should see them do this song when they're a lot older. Its live and even better!

[@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! 👏👏👏👏💙💖👍

[@Lethnion]

The one hitting those high notes, her name is Anita Darian ( born April 26, 1927 - died February 1, 2015. American soprano singer, actress.

[@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.

[@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.

[@patriciawilliams1291]

I used to hear this a lot in the sixties, I love it😆

[@freddymixson229]

great great reaction! you guys are so adventureous! you are ready for "the dells" (stay in my corner - oh what a night) the soul, the harmonies, the love music.

[@tonycocchiola7192]

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

[@dawnmanzetti1633]

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

[@ElectricAngel19]

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

[@randybethune5854]

Love y'all loving the music I grew up on in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. I lived this song as a child.

[@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

[@Roh_Echt]

This is one of the best...I want to imagine these boys, back in the day, singing songs on the streets of Brooklyn NY. Neil Sedaka was an original member when they were in school, but he left before this song.

[@kimcutts424]

This is a fab song. I was watching 👀 a video of these guys the other day, but it was a concert not too long ago. They are in their 70s now, and the lead singer still sang it in the same key as he did all those years ago. Amazing talent 👏 ❤

[@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!

[@debbiel.1655]

Ya'll are such good energy and I love your reactions and the selections of music you guys venture into.

[@Music-tg5is]

One of the catchiest songs that is unfortunately impossible for 99% of people to accurately sing along to. Incredible vocals.

[@ds8680]

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

[@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.

[@daleburkett4141]

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

[@dannford-premiersothebysin9057]

This song brings back some many memories...I was 5 when u heard this song, I'm 56. I have this on my playlist!!! Classic