About the Album: The Lion King —like the original 1994 version—features unforgettable music by an award-winning team, including Oscar and GRAMMY-winning superstar Elton John and Oscar and GRAMMY-winning lyricist Tim Rice, who’ve written an uplifting new song, “Never Too Late,” performed by John, that features an African choir and will appear in the film’s end credits and also on the Walt Disney Records original motion picture soundtrack.
“Just hearing that music strikes you deeply,” Favreau said. “Even if you don’t know the film or stage show, there is a spiritual strength in it. But if you know the film, and if you grew up with this music—now it can suddenly and immediately evoke the story itself, as well as all the connected memories and emotions that you have from your own past experience with ‘The Lion King,’ or from the time of your life that you were in, or your childhood, or the life events it’s connected to.
” Added Mitchell Leib, president of music and soundtracks for The Walt Disney Studios, “The incredible musical talents who came together to contribute to this project are unparalleled. Jon Favreau’s deep love and instinct for musical collaboration inspired Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Pharrell Williams, Elton John, Tim Rice, Beyoncé, Donald Glover and the entire music team to an awesome level of generosity, spirit and commitment, resulting in a powerful journey of song, production and performance.”
“The Lion King” original motion picture soundtrack features new recordings of the original songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice, score by Oscar and GRAMMY-winning composer Hans Zimmer, plus African vocal and choir arrangements by GRAMMY-winning South African producer and composer Lebo M (Rhythm of the Pride Lands). Oscar-nominated and GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter and producer Pharrell Williams (“Hidden Figures”/producer, “Happy”), produced five songs on the soundtrack.
In revisiting the score for “The Lion King,” Zimmer realized the original themes and music were the “emotional spine of the story.” He brought back many who worked on the original film, including Lebo M, orchestrator Bruce Fowler, conductor Nick Glennie-Smith, arranger Mark Mancina, plus several singers from the choir including Carmen Twillie (who performed “Circle of Life” in the 1994 movie).
Zimmer wanted to approach the score differently for the new film and enlisted the Re-Collective Orchestra (led by founders Matt Jones and Stephanie Matthews), along with the Hollywood Studio Symphony (comprised of Los Angeles-based session players), and his band. The goal was to rehearse and record the score like a live concert performance.
Music from the animated film released in 1994 won two Academy Awards (original song and original score), four GRAMMYS and two Golden Globes. The soundtrack was No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart for 10 nonconsecutive weeks and was certified Diamond by the RIAA, for 10 million units sold.
Label: Walt Disney Records
Review: Disney on CLASSIC - a Magical Night 2023
by Ayaka Ozaki
- November 02, 2023
Disney on CLASSIC: A musical event where New York-based vocalists and an orchestra perform Disney's iconic songs from animated films, movies, and theme parks. This year's theme is 'With You.' The event features the animated film 'Beauty and the Beast,'presenting the story of 'true love' that blossoms between the beautiful Belle and the Beast, including songs like “Beauty and the Beast,” 'Be Our Guest,' 'Gaston,' and 'Something There,' accompanied by video projections and lighting effects. The concert is divided into two parts, with the first part celebrating Disney's 100th anniversary.
Review: DISNEY MUSIC & FIREWORKS at Maishima Sports Island
by Ayaka Ozaki
- October 27, 2023
Disney Music & Fireworks: The first-ever entertainment in Japan that synchronizes Disney's classic songs with fireworks. Celebrating Disney's 100th anniversary this year, this dynamic fireworks festival featuring Disney's music is being held nationwide. It has already taken place in Hiroshima, Yamanashi, Ibaraki, Yamaguchi, and Osaka, with upcoming for November 18 in Miyazaki and December 9 in Okinawa.
John Oliver Comes to the Bushnell in September
by Stephi Wild
- August 31, 2023
The Bushnell will welcome the Award-winning writer, comedian, and host of the HBO show 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,' satirist John Oliver to Hartford for one night only September 16.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra Welcomes New Musicians During its Centenary
by Stephi Wild
- September 21, 2022
Just in time for the launch of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's momentous 100th-anniversary concert season, seven new musicians join the ensemble's roster, including two principals (viola and librarian), an associate principal (oboe), a violin, and three cellos—expanding the section by a full third.
Chicago Philharmonic Society Announces Summer Series
by A.A. Cristi
- May 31, 2022
At the close of Chicago Philharmonic's thrilling 2021-2022 Symphonic Season on May 29, the organization proudly announces a ten-concert summer series that kicks off June 10 and will take place throughout the Chicagoland area.
Mayo Performing Arts Center Announces Fall Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- September 14, 2020
Mayo Performing Arts Center will stage a series of intimate performances for audiences of up to 150 this fall inside the Theatre. These will mark the first events inside MPAC since it was ordered to close on March 12 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
THE LION KING's Shahadi Wright Joseph on Broadway Beginnings, Black Girl Magic, and Forging a Future in Film
by Matt Smith
- August 13, 2019
'Naaaaaaaaaaants ingonyama bagithi Baba!' No matter who you are or where you're from, it's a sure bet you're familiar with those iconic introductory lines. Set against the majestic backdrop of the rising Serengeti sun, the universally-recognized African cry, beckoning scores of meerkats, elephants, antelope and giraffes to emerge and greet the newest member of their animal tribe, is the quintessential Disney opening that defined a generation.
Review Roundup: What Did Critics Think of the Live-Action THE LION KING?
by Kaitlin Milligan
- July 11, 2019
Disney's 'The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother-and former heir to the throne-has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.
VIDEO: Young Broadway Stars and Aspiring Artists Release a Holiday Album to Help the BCEFA Hurricane Relief Efforts
by Stephi Wild
- December 14, 2017
Stars from School of Rock, The Lion King and Matilda among others, launched The Holiday Star Experience Album and a music video to promote their charity collection. According to Eduardo Jimenez Pons (Producer), The album is a joyful mix of pop, rock and jazz versions of Holiday Classics, Broadway and Pop songs, perfect to make the spirits bright on this Holiday Season . Leading the promotional efforts for the album and its cause is the music Video of Train's Shake Up Christmas which was shot in New York City and San Juan, PR.
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