WHO ARE THEY?! FIRST TIME HEARING! The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh) REACTION

[@brucevidito4923]

I was 7 years old when this hit the radio. I remember it like yesterday. Kids loved this song. ❤️ And yes, The Tokens are the original group to perform this song.

[@troyshepherd2424]

i was five when i heard this in 1966. My uncle could sing it too....oh such great memories! The song was on the Lion King

[@BrindleChase]

No, they are not. This is revision of the song "Mbube" by Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds, first recorded in 1939. Legendary folk singer Pete Seeger with his band the Weavers brought it to the mainstream with his version "Wimoweh" in 1952, with the famous mispronunciation of "Mbube" as "Wimoweh". The Tokens made it the famous song it is today in 1961, keeping the mispronunciation and adding new lyrics.

[@SweetThing]

@@BrindleChase - which means the Tokens covered the song and had a big hit with it. Simple.

[@zimjun7]

I was 10 when it hit the radio. June ❤

[@magnustrygg5632]

Yes this is the original. It’s somewhat built on Mbube but the songs is not particular similar. But white people trying to feel better than the rest of us love to bring up Mbube. Peace out ✌🏽

[@Fairygrl_TW]

This is such a fun awesome song. Put out in "61" and they still sound amazing. A hunting song originally sung in Zulu in what is now Swaziland, the original title was "Mbube," which means lion. This was popularized in the 1930s by South African singer Solomon Linda, who recorded it in 1939 with his group, The Evening Birds. It features in The Lion King Disney and many other shows and cartoons. Thanks for the blast from the past. Peace

[@c99kfm]

"Uyi mbube", "I am the lion", is the original chorus, not the popular "wimoweh". Just about what you'd expect a hunter in Africa to tell himself, or in this case, a group of hunters to tell each other.

[@gl2996]

Actually, no. This was not a traditional Zulu hunting song. The copyright clarifications over the years show that Solomon Linda was the originator/creator of the song. Had that not been the case, Disney would not have had to pay lots of royalties, after the fact. The first recording of it, in 1939, included Linda extemporizing what can be recognized as the basic elements of what is now the melody. Lots of folk singers recorded it before a couple of record producers commissioned a doo-wop version of the song in 1961 and paired it with new English lyrics. That's what the Tokens recorded.

[@SRG1966]

This was a hit in the 1960s, the guys are clearly a lot older here but they still sound great. On the original record, the high vocals in the background were done by a female opera singer who was a friend of the band. She came in and did the vocals as a favor to them. Despite the song becoming a huge hit, she never got a dime from the group.

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

That sucks, she was incredibly important to the dynamic of the songs performance.

[@stephenwalton1234]

Neither did the tokens

[@cindyharrington5958]

This is a 1961 hit. This is the amazing original singerJay Siegel. He's 82 now. This song is in the Disney animated 1994 version of The Lion King.

[@talltulip]

This was a Tokens hit in 1961. I don't know when this concert occurred, but DAMN they sound amazing for it being 40 or 50 years later! BTW, to answer your question, they weren't the first to record it (the first recording was in 1939), but I do believe that The Tokens version was the first time it became a hit in the US. I know it was #1, but I'm not sure for how long. However, it has taken on a life of its own over the decades, turning up constantly in movies and tv shows, commercials, and also being covered by other artists.

[@jessicalee7119]

FYI ~ "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 isiZulu, while the English version's lyrics were written by George David Weiss."

[@duckie48]

You are correct, the Tokens aren't the first with this song. But, they are for sure who everyone thinks of .

[@adam.4487]

The Tokens go waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back. I was in Jr. High school when I first heard it, I am 73yrs old now. LOL See these guys again, singing it again after all these years is amazing. Yes the original lead singer is the same guy! He's still got it!

[@acorrado5529]

Thanks for reacting to this one! You probably remember this song in the Lion King but it has been a timeless classic since 1961 and heard everywhere over the years. Yes, these are the original members and they still performed together for more than 50 years.

[@tonydelapa1911]

There is nobody who is more fun to see than you when you thoroughly enjoy one that really surprises you. You are, indeed, Da Real Adogg. Thank you for what you continue to provide on your channel.

[@robincopeland7535]

My class sang this when I was in the fourth grade! I always loved it 😊 ❤️

[@crsounddoctor4937]

Hey Adogg, He got his voice to sound like that because of "PURE TALENT" & "VOCAL ABILITY!!!" The Tokens hit this one hard!!! This is an iconic classic my friend and I truly enjoyed your reaction to it!!!

[@marieraynock6440]

Oh Adogg your reactions are just great! Yes it is from the Lion King and these are the original singers. I said we had the best music back in the day.😊😊

[@mamaflush9945]

Hey Adogg, yes these are the original singers of this song. And I think the animated children's movie that had this song was "The Lion King" I believe it was used as the soundtrack for the movie. I grew up listening to this song and I never tire of their vocals. lol Just magical stuff🤗💖🔥✨✨🎷🎸(my parents always called this doo wop music)😂 Nice reaction and thanks👍

[@g-ma_of_8]

I don't think it was "The Lion King". Wasn't it one of the "Madagascar" movies?...either the first or second one?

[@g-ma_of_8]

My bad; @MaMaFlush 99 - it WAS in The Lion King, the CGI version, not the animated one. I only saw the animated version.

[@Serai3]

No, they are not the original singers. This song was written by a South African artist, and recorded several times (most famously by the Weavers, who ripped him off) before the Tokens got around to it.

[@denadallenbach1724]

It was a pleasure to see the pure joy of you watching and reacting to this. Peace and joy to you always.

[@beverlybrown2673]

Originally from 1961, this is a reunion tour performance. It's been used in a lot of children's movies and cartoons.

[@dagmar.6954]

The Tokens were an American male doo-wop style vocal group. They are best known for their 1961 hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". They also had some other songs such as "Tonight I Fell In Love", "I Hear Trumpets Blow" & "Portrait Of My Love". Beginning in 1963, The Tokens also began serving as record producers for other artists, such as the Chiffons, Randy & the Rainbows & the Happenings.

[@musicluvr70]

I just did a quick search, and it was used quite often in TV shows and Movies. Here is the list. A number of movies and TV series have used this song, often sung by the characters. The most popular (and obvious) is in Disney's 1994 movie The Lion King, where it is sung by Timon the meerkat (Nathan Lane) and Pumba the warthog (Ernie Sabella). Other uses include: TV: Friends ("The One After the Superbowl: Part 1" - 1996, sung by the six friends) The Office ("Product Recall" - 2007, sung by John Krasinski and Ed Helms) The Simpsons ("Insane Clown Poppy" - 2000, "Treehouse of Horror XIII" - 2002, My Big Fat Geek Wedding - 2004) The Big Bang Theory ("The Convention Conundrum" - 2014, sung by Jim Parsons and James Earl Jones) Empire ("The Lyon's Roar" - 2015, sung by Jussie Smollett and Leah Jeffries) Movies: Troop Beverly Hills (1989) Matinee (1993) The Sandlot (1993) Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) Private Parts (1997) Bandits (2001) The Bucket List (2007) Dark Shadows (2012)

[@debbiejarvis5764]

Love this song. Their a lot older here but can still get down with it. Yes their the original Token's.

[@LaDonnaMorgan-gm2ze]

These are the original singers. And yes, it was sang on the Lion King. A classic!

[@joedegliobizzi5737]

Don’t forget, it was also in Ace Venture: Pet Detective. If you like The Tokens, try Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

[@angieoutwater5071]

Yes!!! Great suggestion!

[@pauberrymon5892]

Yes The Lion King, and these are the Original Performers. I'm over 55 and remember hearing this song my whole life long. When I was a lot younger I could sing right along with them, but now my voice has bullfrogged on me. Look up Sherry Baby, from the old days, I can't remember who sang it but they had a high register voice too. Might have been Frankie Valli, but I'll have to check it out. Great reaction as always Brother ADogg.

[@dannford-premiersothebysin9057]

This song is all of our childhood! Love this song then and now! So 👍

[@billofalltrades2633]

I heard this in the early 70s as a kid, great great song!

[@BarbaraPryor-Smith]

Yes Timone and Pumba sang it in Lion King. But the Tokens knock it out of the park. They originally recorded in 1961 and this performance from around 2010 sounds identical! Amazing falsetto!

[@crsounddoctor4937]

Yes, you heard it in the Lion King Movie...and in the Ace Venture Pet Detective Movie!!!

[@cindyhurzeler3885]

Jay Siegel once showed up at his granddaughter's kindergarten class and sang this song for her show and tell!

[@liamwilliams6088]

The Animated movie was called "The Lion King" in 1994 release..The characters, Pumba and Timone sang it, well in their hilarious kinda way, it was so damn funny

[@codyflake3080]

Also The Lion Sleeps Tonight was used in one of the Lion King movies but it was already popular before the 90s. It was recorded 1961 and became very popular throughout the 70s and 80s.

[@maryanngarrimone1153]

It's one of my favorite groups. Love this song. I was in high school when this song came out. ❤❤❤

[@littlequeenie7650]

It’s from lion king. Timon and Pumbaa sang it when they were crossing the bridge. Great reaction!

[@andrewcoleman6349]

More than 50 off years later and they still sound like that

[@memorylanemodelcars]

The Tokens started as 3 adolecents singing to Entertain Their Aunt on Her Kitchen in the 50s. The Tokens Wrote Songs For Other Groups to make Famous & Some of Those the Record industry Didn't give Them Credit For. Yes the Tokens were the Originated of this Version of this Song but their were Earlier but different versions of the Song too. Yes Lion King was where you heard it

[@davidcollver6155]

The Lion King, I love that movie even shared it with one particular female deputy at the time corner, I had bought it on VHS from Blockbuster as soon as they released it. Everybody was talking about all the adults were talking about it and then this young lady finally got to see it and she enjoyed it immensely. No computer-generated anyting. Top drawer cartoon movie well-known actors voiceovers.

[@andrewcoleman6349]

I loveed this since I was child ,I am glad the daughter of the man from Africa finally got payed for his this song it took decades

[@hellhound551]

This song was used in the Lion King movie. it was originally performed by the Tokens back in the 60's....i was a kid when this song came out.....i loved it. These guys are in their 70's and still sound as good as the original..amazing

[@tonycocchiola7192]

They also produced records for other bands from the 1950's to early 2000's.

[@mervinmannas7671]

You can not help but smile when this comes on. Yes they are the original 60's group who released this though its origins are explained below. But what is amazing as this is 50+ years later, its live, the average age of the guys there is 75+ and they are still killing it. Awsome

[@christinewaide5249]

I can’t believe they still sound this good after all these years! Wow!!! 💕💕💕💕

[@SuperPauli628]

This came out in 1961 the Tokens are the original singers, I was 11 yrs old and this song came on about the same time every night and it was the only song that put nge to sleep. I know it came on other times but my favorite memories was when it put me to sleep.

[@johnniekight1879]

Saw them a few years back with The Drifters. Amazing vocals that night.

[@GinMae]

thanks, Da Real! Is it not amazing how fantastic this OLD MAN can still do this! OMG -

[@rebeccalipps8007]

My dad gifted me a portable phonograph & a box of 45s he had collected when he was a kid. This song was among those 45s. I played it all the time until I accidentally left it in the car one hot Summer day. Nothing but a lump left even though other 45s survived. I tried to get another but it was no longer in print.

[@joeynail6049]

In 1966, this song was on the radio (AM or FM) at 6:25 in the morning. If we missed it, we were pissed.

[@noelwise9211]

I remember this when I was a kid and I loved it so much...everyone did. We would skate to this....and I still love it.

[@Dee-JayW]

This was originally a song in Zulu. Look up Linda Solomon. Grew up with this and my children did as well :D

[@marciadiaz5806]

Yes it was a Zulu song African group as g it the tokens brought the song from them..

[@ChocolateMelanin]

Solomon Linda is the ORIGINAL SINGER 👈🏾 He was a South African musician, singer and composer best known as the composer of the song "Mbube"

[@classicrocklady6288]

This song just makes me happy e every time I hear it! And zi was around when it first came out...I've heard it a LOT!

[@davidpost428]

This was my first album when I was in fourth grade, and I loved the Tokens!

[@rhiahlMT]

A good song you'd likely like is The Who "Love, Reign O'er Me". Really good one. Another by the Who is "Behind Blue Eyes".

[@markcouch7049]

Yes the song was in the lion king and yes the tokens were the original singers of this song it was a big hit for them. This song brings back so many memories for me as a kid growing up in the 70s.

[@bpfromowc]

Great reaction man. It’s a stunning performance, and it reminds me of when I first watched Procol Harum performing “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” (live in Denmark). How these guys can still sound so good, all these years later, is astonishing. You should have a look at the Bee Gees (on the Ed Sullivan Show) singing “Words”. It’s another masterpiece. Peace ✌️

[@SciTrekMan]

Yoy know where I first came across this song? When I was 16 back in 1975, I bought the “Goofy Greats” Album by K-Tel Records, and this song was on it!!

[@wheredidthetimego8087]

What’s amazing is there a lot older singing this song and they still sound amazing.

[@patrickallen5781]

I loved this song as a kid in the 70's and I think they sound better now.

[@ajw3225]

Dude - your reaction videos are seriously getting better! The astonishment is written all over your face.

[@alexanderromalo7153]

Never fails to put a smile on my face every time I hear it. You're in good company my friend.

[@Shrykespeare]

Spot on. Part of this song was song by Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King.

[@arlenehenry1097]

How's that for seniors? I'm just a few years behind them. Thx to u youngsters w/u tube n all, get a taste of back in the day. ❤️ ur reaction.👍👏

[@dianerobertson4894]

This song was first sang by Zulu tribe in 1939 though it sounded very different. As years passed the, the song evolved until this group recorded it, making it hit world wide.

[@chab1rd155]

...the studio version is even BETTER! 💞

[@NYCHFAN]

This group is awesome! I recommend listening to more of their music. Great vocsls. 😊👍

[@itsakittyting]

This awesome song has been featured in countless movies, commercials and covers!

[@rayboston8737]

Year before I was born! We had the best music!

[@katsnow9256]

Old people rocking the music scene! So total Awesome!

[@donstewart9164]

This song was the inspiration for the Lion King movie and play.

[@unksoldr]

An African singer/group did a very similar song, before these guys did it, but in their native language. Look it up, appropriation or sampling? Called 'The Lion' Mumube, the native word for lion.

[@maryerpenbach9517]

I couldn't be there when my grandson was born, so when he was a few days old my son put the phone to his ear so I could sing to him: "Hush, my darling, don't fear my darling, the lion sleeps tonight, wimoweh."

[@lawelldecker1967]

CORRECTION FOR YOU__THAT SONG WAS FIRST RECORDED IN 1939 BY A SOUTH AFRICAN NAME SOLOMON LINDA AND HIS GROUP THE EVENING BIRDS

[@oldstudent2587]

Old song, known as Mbube in Africa. Odds on best version of this song is by Miriam Makeba, but I like all of them -- The Evening Birds, The Tokens, etc.

[@angieoutwater5071]

Love this song!!!! Definitely check out Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons!

[@codyflake3080]

I’ve got a suggestion. If you enjoyed this song by the Tokens they also performed one of the songs for the School House Rock cartoon shorts. The song is called Victim of Gravity. Just a thought.

[@diannthomas5653]

I love this! Thank You!!

[@jameswinburn6843]

I remember when this song came out. I was just a kid but the song grabbed me like no other ever had. I've probably listened to it hundreds of times and still get chills. The Tokens were criticized as plagiarists because the song had it's roots in tribal culture and had been recorded in the thirties. That would have been the end of the song if the Tokens had not recorded it, and in all honesty, the original recording sounds ordinary and obscure. It would never have made the Lion King if the Tokens had not made it their own. Still one of the most amazing arrangements ever.

[@chrisjenkins6120]

Man alive! You just woke up my childhood!

[@megastardave]

They y sang this song in the same key all those years later, pure class

[@davem.2191]

The song was in Ace Ventura Pet Detective.

[@ELIZABETHANNEBuonagura]

This came out the year I was born ( 1961 ) - but you probably remember it from The Lion King

[@ed.z.]

The backstory of this story is interesting. It goes back to a tribe in Africa. And royalty payments that date far back in time.

[@derealmanoka]

The original version is from south africa by solomon linda - mbumbe

[@rhondaocallaghan4413]

This was Legend, love from Australia 🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘❤️

[@DianaRussia531]

Can't listen to this without a smile🙂🙂

[@62impalaconvert]

They first recorded this 62 years ago and sound the same now.

[@jackieperkins3861]

Very awesome song and group, also check out Elton Joh's song he wrote for The Lion King, The Circle of Life its a powerful song!

[@LLcoolDel]

How can someone not know this song? I am 63 and knew when I was about 4.

[@wesalker3479]

HOLY $HIT . . . . . The Lion King is nearly thirty years old!

[@rhiahlMT]

No kidding. My son was born in 1992 and loved the movie as a toddler. He just turned 30.

[@Dee-JayW]

LOL “Bro, how he do that”? 😂 It is called rolling your R’s with your tongue. Necessary when speaking French for example.

[@prischm5462]

That lady soprano was the star of the show,

[@thrzhammer8920]

WAY before Disney's Lion King. WAY before. :) Pure fun!

[@edithmaxim2041]

Yes the original singers, the song is actually from the early 60's

[@marktomlin5484]

At that age to sound that strong. Wow !

[@Hammernms]

Yes, this is the original group 👍

[@romamazza5881]

Yes! They sang this first!

[@vidge123]

isn't it cool how great they were (are)!?

[@jessicalee7119]

It's in the movie, The Lion King.

[@johnhardwick5406]

No a black performer, I can’t remember his name but he was born in 1909. I loved this song. I would dance to it at the roller rink some girl would come an dance with me. I can’t dance on a dance floor but on roller skates look out,lol!

[@DanielShanks-vq4ut]

IT WAS THE LION KING. WHICH ISS A TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SONG FOR TRIBUTE TO THE CHIEFTAIN WHEN PASSING

[@colleenabood8775]

Correct, pumba and Timone sang it in the lion king

[@tonyporenshenko425]

These guys r in there 60s or 70s and still ssing better than the artist of today

[@MtM2253]

It's called a "Trill". It's done with the tongue against the roof of the mouth.

[@donnamoskowitz4978]

Great reaction! You should react to the A Cappella version by the group "Straight no Chaser". Thanks for sharing!!!