![]() His humor, wit and slanted observations will be deeply missed. Perhaps now, like so many of civilization’s greatest artists, he will get the due he deserves. The anthemic 'Wimoweh', first lauded by the Weavers, has its ethnic roots in an African sing-along entitled 'Mbube'. The last of these has been hunted down, molested, raped, and stripped beyond all recognition. “His words and melodies are equal to any of the giants in the industry. Turn Turn (To everything there is a season)' and Solomon Ka Linda's 'Wimoweh' ('The Lion Sleeps Tonight'). “Mitch was an adjective-defying human being whose contribution to both The Tokens and music in general is unparalleled,” his nephew said. His brother survives him, as do his sons Damien and Ari and sister Maxine. Army from 1969-72 in the Special Services division. Wimoweh Lyrics by The Weavers from the Sing Out America: The Best of Pete Seeger album - including song video, artist biography, translations and more: In. And he was an accomplished painter whose work is on display in the children’s book The Very First Adventure of Fulton T. Margo played several instruments and composed music for a 1988 NBC telefilm, Goddess of Love, starring Vanna White as Venus. They sang traditional folk songs from around the world, as well as blues, gospel music, childrens songs, labor songs, and American ballads, and sold millions of records at the height of their popularity. In 1973, the Margo brothers and Siegel formed the group Cross Country and released an album. The Tokens also had their own publishing company, Bright Tunes Publishing produced hit records for The Chiffons, The Happenings, Randy & the Rainbows and Tony Orlando & Dawn and wrote the song “Laugh” for The Monkees. Karl Denver (born Angus Murdo McKenzie) was a Scottish singer, who, with his trio (Kevin Neil & Gerald (Gerry) Cottrell), had a series of UK hit singles in the early 1960s. (The indelible falsetto on the song was performed by Siegel.) “We’ve sung billions and billions of Wimowehs,” Margo often said. ![]() ![]() The Tokens' version of the song features a drum roll that serves as a very good hook and a high soprano counter point by opera singer, Anita Darian.The Tokens’ other hits in the 1960s included “Tonight I Fell in Love,” “I Hear Trumpets Blow,” “Portrait of My Love” and “He’s in Town,” but clearly, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was their most famous tune. In all of this, the original South African writer, Solomon Linda, got no credit (and no money) - until a law suit was finally settled in 2006. In 1994 it would be featured in the Disney film, "The Lion King" and again in the Broadway play in 1997. The song would be revived in 1972 by Robert John and rise to #3. Lets see you try Way up boys Way up boys. ![]() Terrific All right, here comes part two: Way up boys Way up boys. Lets see you Try that Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh. The record reached #1 on December 18 and stayed there until the end of the year. Lets start with part one Oh one, two three, four Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh. The group was glad to get the RCA recording contract but really didn't want "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" to be released - they were embarrassed by its sound. JOHANNESBURG - As Solomon Linda first recorded it in 1939, it was a tender melody, almost childish in its simplicity - three chords, a couple of words and some baritones chanting in the. ![]() The 1961 lineup was Medress, Jay Siegel, and Phil and Mitch Margo. The Tokens, headed by Hank Medress, had begun in 1955 at Lincoln High School in the Bronx as the Linc-Tones (and included Neil Sedaka at the time). RCA producers gave the song a new name and English lyrics. Listen to The Lion Sleeps Tonight(Wimoweh) from The Weaverss Michael Row The Boat Ashore. The Tokens performed it in their audition for RCA and copied their version from a former recording by The Weavers of "Wimoweh." The Weavers got their version from a 1939 recording of a South African folk tune. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" has a long history. "We weren't embarrassed anymore." - Jay Siegel (after the record hit #1) ![]()
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