“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is a pop and doo-wop song originally recorded by the South African group Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds in 1939 under the title “Mbube.” It was later popularized by the American doo-wop group The Tokens in 1961.
The song is known for its catchy melody and the distinctive vocal harmonies that characterize doo-wop music. The lyrics of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” are based on the traditional Zulu song “Mbube” and describe the serene life of a lion. The chorus includes the repeated line, “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight.”
The Tokens’ version of the song was a commercial success and became their signature hit. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is celebrated for its infectious melody and harmonious vocals. It remains a classic of the doo-wop and pop genres and is often included in compilations of doo-wop music and pop hits of the 1960s.
