Is it true that the original writer of the song “the lion sleep tonight” (which I think is by REM, is a poor African boy who made no money in royalties
The basis for "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was the song "Mbube." It was composed in 1939 by Solomon Linda, a South African composer and singer. He made little money from the song -- and no money in royalties. He died in poverty. (For more, see this article about Solomon Linda.)
The song came to the U.S. as "Wimoweh" in 1952, and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" in 1961. R.E.M.'s version appeared as a B-side to the single of "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite" in 1993. (For more, see this article about The Lion Sleeps Tonight.)
yes....
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