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Solomon Linda
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist
Solomon Linda came from Pomeroy in Natal and sang in Johannesburg with his group the Evening Birds. In 1939 he improvised the song Mbube in Eric Gallo's studio, with a high falsetto melody, and soon afterwards sold the rights for ten shillings. The song later became Wimoweh by The Weavers and The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens. Only in 2006 did his family receive a settlement.
Listening
Listening tip. Listen to the original of Mbube and then to Wimoweh by The Weavers: the falsetto melody that Linda improvised at the end later became the chorus of a worldwide hit.
Mbube · Solomon Linda, 1939
Wimoweh · The Weavers, 1955
The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh) · The Tokens, 1961
Mentioned in other articles
- Isicathamiya and South African choirs Genre
In 1939 Solomon Linda and his Evening Birds recorded Mbube, the source of The Lion Sleeps Tonight.
See also
Categories: ArtistsIsicathamiya and South African choirs