The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight | REACTION 

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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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 .

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

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

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.

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.😊❤

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.

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

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

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 ....

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

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

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.

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

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

What about “might be giants “ version??!!😃

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

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.

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. 👍❤🙏

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

Timon and pumba forever changed this song for me lol

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

cultural appropriation. In the early 60s, African colonies were gaining independence and there was a lot of hope.

Why does this video and I Walk the Line cut off like that??? Don’t you notice this Jamel???

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

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.

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

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

You need to hear the original

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.. !!!

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

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

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

I recommend checking out some other versions. This one by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mint Julep is a throwback to the original by Solomon Linda, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XJuEuRCKq1s.html And of course, there’s the original, Mbube, from Mr. Linda and the Evenings, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mrrQT4WkbNE.html

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 !

Beyond fun!!!

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

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.

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

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!!

Missing a lot of notes that are worthy of hearing

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

This is the stolen song .. it was stolen from an African Tribe ..

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!) 🦁🦁😴😴

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

If you want to hear a really good African song check out the band Ladysmith Black Mambazo and their song Mbube Wimoweh.

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.

I WEE MY WAYYYYYY

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

All time fave earwig!!!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

I never thought they were white yes that's dubbed

Pretty good one. You want to check out The Edsels reunion. Rama Lama Ding Dong. You could also check an earlier group, The Weavers doing just Wimoweh.

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.

Not to drive this tune into the ground, but let's drive this tune into the ground! Check out the version by Ladysmith Black Mambazo/Mint Juleps. You can thank me later.

As good as The Tokens were, I prefer the top-5 cover version by Robert John in 1971. You should play it, Jamal.

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

Good silly fun! Music does not have a skin color. Some of the best 'American' rock and roll is coming out of Japan these days. Just enjoy it for what it is.

This is a link to the original video. What you first showed was from PBS where they bring back the oldies. This video is i think an original and was officially released in November 1961. I was 10 years old and was such a cool song to a 10 years old. Always have loved this song. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZgI4DdINQLQ.html

Actually, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was the B-side of another Tokens' song "Tina," the A-side release which the group intended to be the initial focus for promotional purposes. In fact, the Tokens didn't really even want to do "The Lion" at all, as they felt it was just too different and odd sounding. But their manager finally persuaded them to record "The Lion" and the rest, as they say, is history.

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."

Go-On, go check out The Stone Roses -- The Stone Roses ~ Fools Gold And, ya then need to check out the whole Madchester Scene... Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, The Charlatans, etc. .

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 .

the original song whoever it was sung by sounded NOTHING like this. In fact, I do not know how they ended up with this version based on the original. It is basically 2 different songs

No overdubbing. No fakery. Old? Well, yeah. But he's actually hitting those notes. The really high part being sung by the woman used to be sung by one of the guys, though.

If u liked this one Jamel you should love this one from 1965, Cara Mia by Jay and the Americans.

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.

This song should never played again on every platform and from every artist, except the original song Mbube by Solomon Linda. Many people make a fortune out of his work and never given credit to the man who wrote the song. All the big money this song has made, went straight into the pockets of "White" Men. Here is the story ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4llIwk0BK8A.html. This song is a good example how "these black people" from africa were treated by the rest of the world.

I want to agree about the overdub but having watched again and again, I believe the song was recorded live but the audience’s claps and cheers were canned to provide effect for the TV. Also, look at the mistake he makes (vocally) at 3:44. Also the Kettle Drum doesn’t even sound as intended so that’s not at all right either to be live. They look like radio microphones so could this have been late 80’s or even 90’s?

RESEARCH SOLOMON LINDA"S EVENING BIRDS___THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT__RECORDED IN 1939

Oh man, that is not the performance you want to hear. For "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens, if the video is in color they are WAY past their prime. Can't hit that falsetto when you're that old. It happens.

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.

You should check out the Acapella Soul version. It's a street performance and it is outstanding!!

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.

Thé oné under Solomon LInda was played on the first coming to America

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.

This makes no sense but when i was a kid I read about the myth of King Arthur and how he's supposed to come back and save England if it was ever in danger. So when I first heard this song I assumed the Lion wasn't an animal but some Black Panther like super hero warrior that was buried in his village and that's why they didn't fear the lion "sleeping" nearby, he was there to protect them. I was a weird kid.

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

Jamel you need to spend more time in that era compare the original with years later. Try Jay and the Americans 1965 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1sFy5_kmEi4.html Jay Black same song ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9oFW6rmtUXY.html

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

There's a group called Newbeats that sang a song called Bread and Butter and I use to think it was a black woman that sang it. Boy was I ever surprised.

I always believed this was the original, it probably.came out in the sixties when I was in elementary school.