The Story of

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

The Lion Sleeps Tonight, released in the early 60s, is one of the most successful pop songs of all time. Musicians worldwide have covered the hit, and countless television shows and movies have used it in their soundtracks. How did a song about a sleeping lion come to be? And what did South Africa have to do with it? Let’s find out!

Who Originally Wrote The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

Who Originally Wrote The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

Solomon Linda was born in Zululand, South Africa, in 1909. As a cattle herder within his tribe, Linda was familiar with their main predator, the lion. He often spent time chasing off the lions hoping they’d find rest or their demise. These new sounds inspired Linda, and he began to incorporate them into songs and chants he and his friends would sing at ceremonies and feasts.

How Did Solomon Linda Create The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

How Did Solomon Linda Create The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

In his 20s, Linda moved to Johannesburg. While finding work in the city, he also formed a group called Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds. A talent scout got the group invited into the Gallo Recording Company, the only recording studio in sub-Saharan Africa.

What’s the Most Popular Version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

What’s the Most Popular Version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

The Weavers released “Wimoweh” in 1952, and it reached #15 on the US Best Sellers Charts. Multiple bands covered “Wimoweh” in the 1950s. One of those groups was the Kingston Trio.

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