"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a song originally written and
first recorded in 1939 by Solomon Linda under the title
"Mbube", through South African Gallo Record Company.

In 1961, a version adapted into English by the doo-wop
group the Tokens became a number-one hit in the United
States on this day in 1961. It earned millions in royalties
from cover versions and film licensing.

Lyrics of Linda’s original version were written in Zulu, while
those from the Tokens’ adaptation were written by George
David Weiss.

The song has been adapted and covered internationally by
many pop and folk artists. It was first recorded in the United
States by the Weavers in November 1951, and published
under the title "Wimoweh."

The Tokens

After more than a decade of hits like that never quite made it
to the top of the charts, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
finally earn their first #1 hit when “Tears Of A Clown” topped
the Billboard Hot 100 on December 12, 1970.

William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. (84).

David Jon Gilmour (78)

Music memorabilia has always been popular with collectors,
and there have been several items with truly extraordinary
price tags.

Jerome John Garcia (August 1, 1942 – August 9, 1995)

The Grateful Dead in 1970, in a rural setting – Bill
Kreutzmann, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Jerry Garcia,
Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Phil Lesh.

Kurt Donald Cobain (February 20, 1967 – c. April 5, 1994)

 
SANDY KOZEL

Jerome Allen Seinfeld

Stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer is 70
today. Comedy Central named him the 12th-greatest
stand-up comedian of all time.            

ROSS SIMPSON

Merle Haggard received many honors and awards for
his music, including a Kennedy Center Honor (2010);
a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2006); a BMI
Icon Award (2006) and induction into the Nashville
Songwriters Hall of Fame (1977), Country Music Hall
of Fame (1994) and Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
(1997). He died on April 6, 2016—his 79th birthday—
at his ranch in Shasta County, California, having
recently suffered from double pneumonia.