In 1939, a thirty-year-old man named Solomon Linda walked into a recording studio in Johannesburg, South Africa -- the only studio in sub-Saharan Africa, actually -- and improvised "Mbube", a devastatingly simple a cappella song with two words, three chords, and some chants (supplied by his group, the Original Evening Birds.)

The song was catchy.  Very catchy.  Catchy enough that it lent its name to a style of choral Zulu music, which became known as "Mbube music."  And catchy enough that it became the first African record to sell over 100,000 copies (not bad at all in the days of 78s) and to cross over into the American marketplace.  It later was transformed into a massive worldwide hit that has earned tens of millions of dollars.

See, musicologist Alan Lomax ran across a copy of "Mbube" and gave it to his folksinger friend Pete Seeger, who led The Weavers.  Seeger, mishearing the Zulu chorus of "uyembube" ("you're a lion"), retitled the song "Wimoweh" and recorded it in 1952.  After that version came out, it was recorded by Jimmy Dorsey.  By Yma Sumac.  By the Weavers, again, in a live version at Carnegie Hall.  By the Kingston Trio.  And, after three producers wrote new lyrics for it in 1961, it became a smash for teenage doo-wop group the Tokens (after the departure of their original lead singer, Neil Sedaka), under its new title, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

It's been recorded countless times since, by artists ranging from Miriam Makeba to N'Sync to Glenn Campbell to They Might Be Giants to Chet Atkins.  It's been featured in at least thirteen movies, and not incidentally the juggernaut Broadway musical "The Lion King."  All of which means big money...none of which went to Solomon Linda, the original composer of the music that went around the world.  He had signed his copyright over to the recording-studio owner for 10 shillings -- just 87 cents in today's money.  He died in 1962, a year after the Tokens took his song to #1.  His bank account at his death held just $22.  His widow and children lived in a shack with a cow-dung floor in Soweto, subsisting on a diet of corn porridge and chicken feet, and the childrens' yearly reward for passing another grade in school was an egg.

In 2000, journalist Rian Malan wrote a great Rolling Stone article that traced the history of the song from "Mbube" to "Wimoweh" to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", estimating that the song had earned over $15 million in its use in "The Lion King" alone.  That article led to a PBS documentary, and ultimately a lawsuit.

Under the 1911 copyright law in force in South Africa at the time of the song's 1939 recording, the copyright reverted to the Linda estate in 1987, 25 years after his death.  Which means that Solomon Linda's children missed out on a whole pile of money that was due them.  They filed suit in 2004 for $1.6 million in back royalties and other compensation.  And yesterday, the Times reported that the lawsuit was settled in February.  Abilene Music, the company controlled by George Weiss, one of the producers who wrote the English lyrics to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" in 1961, has agreed to pay the Linda family royalties from 1987 onward.

So it's a happy ending for Solomon Linda's family, and they can finally move ahead.  Go read that Rolling Stone article linked above -- it's fantastic.  And check out the Times article linked in the above graf.  They've got a neat feature which lets you hear significant versions of the song as it evolved.

Comments

[Ayelet]

You're kidding about NSync, right? Oh, please say you're kidding. For the love of all that's good, please say you're kidding.

[vidiot@telescreen.org]

Would I lie to you?

[monk]

Did you hear the NPR story about the song Miserlou (sp?) that Dick Dale recorded (most folks know it from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack)? There oughta be a book compiling all these stories.
I also keep meaning to read the book about the song Stagger Lee and the actual events that inspired it.
Really great post, Vidiot.

[czeltic girl]

Monk -- Ironic Sans has a blog entry on Misirlou that includes an iTunes iMix (i'Mnotkidding) of all the versions iTunes has available. It's pretty interesting.

Vidiot -- Thanks for linking to that article. I first knew of the song from the original Weavers recording (Dad's a huge Weavers fan. It's much of what we listened to on the car's 8-track when we were little) and I knew it came from an African song, but didn't know more about the history. It's an interesting story and I'm glad there's a mostly happy ending.

[lion_girl]

Glad it's happy ending. I'll post it in my blog with your address as the source. If there's any problem, please email me.

[george sedares]

I distinctly remember seeing and hearing The Billy Williams Quartet sing wimowey on Sid Cesar's Your Show of Shows in 1950 or 51. It was so popular that they were frequently requested to repeat it...... It was a superior version ! I can't find a trace of it.

[glichelenorce]

soimpmmkeenhdyf [url=http://tinyurl.com/jcpenneyprintablecoupons]jcpenney printable coupons[/url] Memeedellcseuptp

[mistzimbift]

[url=http://angry-birds-online.pl]Angry Birds[/url]

[Troumsrom]

Hi, we're a snow removal company from Poland and this is our website :)

[url=http://odsniezanie24h.com.pl]odsniezanie chodnikow[/url]

[Smadomonrem]

[url=http://angry-birds-one.com]Angry Birds[/url]

[goassyFareell]

Natural Holistic Medicine , [url=http://tattooblogger.net/]generic clonazepam drug[/url] Patients with severe liver disease or an allergy to clonazepam or any other benzodiazepines should not use this drug. http://tattooblogger.net/ - cheap klonopin

[Phobreron]

[url=http://remroom.ru]последовательность ремонта квартиры[/url] Улучшение и отделка офисов, квартир или дач – это одна из актуальных в настоящее время проблема многих людей, решившихся, наконец, отремонтировать свой офис. Мало того, что улучшение – это занятие трудоемкое и напряженное, еще и найти достойную организацию, занимающуюся улучшением квартир или домов сегодня почти нельзя. Дело в том, что все меньше и меньше в России существует фирм, делающих свою работу качественно, эффективно и недорого. [url=http://remroom.ru]стоимость ремонта двухкомнатной квартиры[/url]
Однако наша фирма является приятным исключением из этого неприятного правила. Мы вот уже долгое время занимается отделкой помещений, комнат, домов и еще ни разу нам не поступало от наших клиентов ни неприятных отзывов, ни каких-либо жалоб. [url=http://remroom.ru]ремонт квартир г москва[/url] Богатый опыт наших специалистов, а также высокий профессионализм всех без исключения наших работников, поможет сделать хорошо, качественно и – главное - доступно как косметический, так и капитальный ремонт. [url=http://remroom.ru]ремонт офисов и квартир[/url] Современное оборудование, новые технологии планировки и дизайна, а также индивидуальный подход к каждому клиенту и гибкая система скидок сделали нашу организацию самой успешной на сегодня компанией, оказывающей услуги улучшению и отделке помещений, квартир или дач. [url=http://remroom.ru]красивые ремонты квартир[/url]
[url=http://remroom.ru]ремонт квартир[/url] [url=http://remroom.ru]ремонт квартирЫ[/url]

[undinsbus]

[url=http://www.angry-birds-rio-online.com]Angry Birds[/url]

[Modafinil cost]

exnntwjejpu, Modalert, KlWRieQ, [url=http://www.modafinilnorx.com/]Modafinil online[/url], GYfkfAF, http://www.modafinilnorx.com/ Modafinil wikipedia, nkFrowN.

[Buy alprazolam cheap]

ucneawjejpu, Sibutramine, qlLScHf, [url=http://www.mwinstonltd.com/approach.html]Buy Meridia[/url], vPChWaI, http://www.mwinstonltd.com/approach.html Buy Meridia, uUAjJvq, Diazepam and hepatitis c, njvfkXO, [url=http://www.bairbros.com/fair_food.html]Mixing morphine and diazepam[/url], kMzfZyV, http://www.bairbros.com/fair_food.html 10mg diazepam, kvlGtoE, Ambien, uQKgJIS, [url=http://www.adamandcheri.com/eloped.html]Switching from ambien to lunesta[/url], CtOGhLB, http://www.adamandcheri.com/eloped.html Buy Ambien, VFGgRuX, Buy xanax online, PthKJWf, [url=http://www.btxformfactor.com/xanax.html]Buy xanax bars online[/url], EBnUVky, http://www.btxformfactor.com/xanax.html Alprazolam 2mg, lNNSuBZ, Tramadol, GdufHCa, [url=http://www.adamandcheri.com/story.html]Buy Tramadol[/url], FGPrvPn, http://www.adamandcheri.com/story.html Tramadol, WsAoorp, Alprazolam 0.5mg, yGnfFhf, [url=http://www.foodieatlanta.com/]Purchase cheap xanax[/url], MVXPzLu, http://www.foodieatlanta.com/ Buy xanax no rx, EsKbiQN.

[Buy alprazolam cheap]

ucneawjejpu, Sibutramine, qlLScHf, [url=http://www.mwinstonltd.com/approach.html]Buy Meridia[/url], vPChWaI, http://www.mwinstonltd.com/approach.html Buy Meridia, uUAjJvq, Diazepam and hepatitis c, njvfkXO, [url=http://www.bairbros.com/fair_food.html]Mixing morphine and diazepam[/url], kMzfZyV, http://www.bairbros.com/fair_food.html 10mg diazepam, kvlGtoE, Ambien, uQKgJIS, [url=http://www.adamandcheri.com/eloped.html]Switching from ambien to lunesta[/url], CtOGhLB, http://www.adamandcheri.com/eloped.html Buy Ambien, VFGgRuX, Buy xanax online, PthKJWf, [url=http://www.btxformfactor.com/xanax.html]Buy xanax bars online[/url], EBnUVky, http://www.btxformfactor.com/xanax.html Alprazolam 2mg, lNNSuBZ, Tramadol, GdufHCa, [url=http://www.adamandcheri.com/story.html]Buy Tramadol[/url], FGPrvPn, http://www.adamandcheri.com/story.html Tramadol, WsAoorp, Alprazolam 0.5mg, yGnfFhf, [url=http://www.foodieatlanta.com/]Purchase cheap xanax[/url], MVXPzLu, http://www.foodieatlanta.com/ Buy xanax no rx, EsKbiQN.

[Clonazepam long term use]

vjhczwjejpu, Viagra, hSsEnyv, [url=http://milwaukee-management.com/]Buy Viagra[/url], tzHHSru, http://milwaukee-management.com/ Buy Viagra, OWsdECO, Buy Cialis, qJynsbs, [url=http://www.carriagebandb.com/reservations.html]Cialis[/url], hIVnLrp, http://www.carriagebandb.com/reservations.html Buy Cialis, PfyWdLH, Clonazepam 2mg, LWpIFYC, [url=http://lightbodies.com/products.html]Clonazepam[/url], EmADCWO, http://lightbodies.com/products.html Clonazepam trial, jIxKBSb, Yeastrol, mMvytef, [url=http://buyyeastrolonline.com/]Yeastrol[/url], GjfpvXf, http://buyyeastrolonline.com/ Yeastrol, muEkvHM, botox, gQOLnBB, [url=http://naturalbeautyreview.com/veloura-anti-aging-cream-review]Veloura[/url], kOWllWO, http://naturalbeautyreview.com/veloura-anti-aging-cream-review how to look younger, zISOUQO, Slimberry, jzqzcMq, [url=http://dvagoda.com/]Where can i purchase slimberry acai cleanse[/url], oefAeiS, http://dvagoda.com/ Slimberry, cHweTgB.

[Cheap car insurance motor quotes]

tfzgawjejpu, Health in mental smoking stop, ikAZLaU, [url=http://stopsmoking-info.org/]Free patches to stop smoking[/url], nNSEXZz, http://stopsmoking-info.org/ Stop Smoking, zEsqqSO, Cheap car insurance quotes, qqHRVbn, [url=http://carinsurancequotesquestions.net/]Car insurance information free online quotes[/url], ViDjQLs, http://carinsurancequotesquestions.net/ Online free car insurance quotes, KxAuqAH, Life Insurance Quotes, WMlgoEb, [url=http://eformkit.com/]Cheap term life insurance quotes[/url], tZHlaLL, http://eformkit.com/ London life health disability insurance quotes, DhVSQKp, seo powersuite professional, tZgasUj, [url=http://seosoftwarenow.com/]link-assistant.com[/url], eEfVBpw, http://seosoftwarenow.com/ linkassistant, aekHKRI, Nascar screensavers, pYNsorW, [url=http://screensaverssite.com/]Screensavers[/url], jqFldwO, http://screensaverssite.com/ Free screensavers of dolphins, POhfZSt, Pure Mango Slim, wmJwinG, [url=http://womensdietproducts.com/pure-mango-slim]Pure Mango Slim[/url], hTDWaKu, http://womensdietproducts.com/pure-mango-slim Pure Mango Slim, BYYTApI.

[Busty alli pussy]

yfpgdwjejpu, Busty alli galleries, BsiLYMk, [url=http://allistory.com/]Chan only hot miss alli[/url], HArEvhs, http://allistory.com/ Alli model, zqnRazI.

[Busty alli pussy]

yfpgdwjejpu, Busty alli galleries, BsiLYMk, [url=http://allistory.com/]Chan only hot miss alli[/url], HArEvhs, http://allistory.com/ Alli model, zqnRazI.

[Yeastrol]

obljvwjejpu, Yeastrol, ljpTmnf, [url=http://buyyeastrolonline.com/]Yeastrol[/url], xJQiiDh, http://buyyeastrolonline.com/ Yeastrol, BRfpzgY.

[Yeastrol]

obljvwjejpu, Yeastrol, ljpTmnf, [url=http://buyyeastrolonline.com/]Yeastrol[/url], xJQiiDh, http://buyyeastrolonline.com/ Yeastrol, BRfpzgY.

[Volume Pills]

vhuknwjejpu, Performer5, GRvSIrK, [url=http://performer5-direct.net/]Performer 5[/url], PNhbMRN, http://performer5-direct.net/ Performer5, xLxsiMn, Hair Styles, caYXjVG, [url=http://thehairstyleszone.com/]Virtual hair styles[/url], eulJBug, http://thehairstyleszone.com/ Long hair styles, hiPLEzL, Volume pills exposed, LKqpzBb, [url=http://volumepills-blog.com/]Volume pills australia[/url], ogGqYrv, http://volumepills-blog.com/ Volume pills ingredients, GqxkJei, Bodice buy propecia comments e-mail name comment [b][/b] - [i][/i] - [u][/u]- [quote][, ohUfxvY, [url=http://www.hairenigma.com/propecia-for-hair-loss-treatment_23/]Can propecia cause depression[/url], gbltwzm, http://www.hairenigma.com/propecia-for-hair-loss-treatment_23/ Barleycorn buy propecia comments e-mail name comment [b][/b] - [i][/i] - [u][/u]- [quo, YqjXcPD, spy bubble, XmXFUbD, [url=http://topcellphonespy.com/]spybubble scam[/url], JlUUBDm, http://topcellphonespy.com/ spy bubble reviews, BuPffmI, Game+cracks+warez, AhNHHhA, [url=http://gamecracksanswers.info/]Game cracks warez[/url], zUjawMu, http://gamecracksanswers.info/ Game Cracks, BEGGGMF.

[Volume Pills]

vhuknwjejpu, Performer5, GRvSIrK, [url=http://performer5-direct.net/]Performer 5[/url], PNhbMRN, http://performer5-direct.net/ Performer5, xLxsiMn, Hair Styles, caYXjVG, [url=http://thehairstyleszone.com/]Virtual hair styles[/url], eulJBug, http://thehairstyleszone.com/ Long hair styles, hiPLEzL, Volume pills exposed, LKqpzBb, [url=http://volumepills-blog.com/]Volume pills australia[/url], ogGqYrv, http://volumepills-blog.com/ Volume pills ingredients, GqxkJei, Bodice buy propecia comments e-mail name comment [b][/b] - [i][/i] - [u][/u]- [quote][, ohUfxvY, [url=http://www.hairenigma.com/propecia-for-hair-loss-treatment_23/]Can propecia cause depression[/url], gbltwzm, http://www.hairenigma.com/propecia-for-hair-loss-treatment_23/ Barleycorn buy propecia comments e-mail name comment [b][/b] - [i][/i] - [u][/u]- [quo, YqjXcPD, spy bubble, XmXFUbD, [url=http://topcellphonespy.com/]spybubble scam[/url], JlUUBDm, http://topcellphonespy.com/ spy bubble reviews, BuPffmI, Game+cracks+warez, AhNHHhA, [url=http://gamecracksanswers.info/]Game cracks warez[/url], zUjawMu, http://gamecracksanswers.info/ Game Cracks, BEGGGMF.

[Cialis]

gyxjgwjejpu, Deer Antler Plus, irHmbLJ, [url=http://deerantlerplus4u.net/]Meri chaheti hindi pdf velvet deer antler plus[/url], EjAXASu, http://deerantlerplus4u.net/ Deer Antler Plus, SCQErZy, Play free casino slots online no registration, yUIdcha, [url=http://onlineslots-info.net/]Free online no download las vegas slots[/url], hFCNmpM, http://onlineslots-info.net/ Play slots online for free, jvYobeh, Genf20 review, zfwdicC, [url=http://www.aging-team.com/]Genf20 for sale[/url], xnssxZy, http://www.aging-team.com/ Gen f20 plus, HJJQBnK, Melatrol, uBHjuTD, [url=http://melatrol2k.com/]Melatrol[/url], iXfzGMT, http://melatrol2k.com/ Melatrol review, uyqcXCI, Cialis forum, MfGRNGg, [url=http://www.californiahighspeedtrains.com/]Buy Cialis[/url], oPkaYNG, http://www.californiahighspeedtrains.com/ Cialis mayo marriage counseling wang wangs, dxNamBa, Diet pill, fZkGtTC, [url=http://www.helpmeloseweightforgood.com/]Natural weight loss pills[/url], whkrKoC, http://www.helpmeloseweightforgood.com/ Adipex, deQehun.