The Music of the Tokens

In 1939, South African Solomon Linda turned a tribal chant into a local hit tune.  Years later a copy of the record found its way to Decca Records.  Folk artist Pete Seeger interpreted the song's relentless chant to be "Wimoweh" and recorded it thus.  In the early 1960s, a group of New York City doo-woppers who called themselves The Tokens, recorded the song with new lyrics.  Within six weeks their record went to the top of the singles charts.  "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" became one of the top-selling records for the year.  The Tokens went on to have a long-running career as recording artists, record producers, and record company owners.  They were instrumental in creating number one hits while working with The Chiffons and The Happenings, all while continuing their successful recording career.  The Music of the Tokens relates the story of this enduring group and their classic song, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."