The Tokens began as one of the many tough doo-wop groups that emerged from New York City during the early-to-mid-1950s. The original line-up included future pre-Beatles era star Neil Sedaka, Hank Medress, Eddie Rabkin, and Cynthia Zolotin. By the end of the decade the only original member left was Medress. He was then joined by brothers Mitch and Phil Margo, Jay Siegel, and guitarist Joe Venneri.

The reconstituted Tokens would go on to a moderately successful career that was highlighted by issuing one of the most memorable singles of the rock ‘n’ roll era.

Meanwhile in South Africa there had been a local song that had been popular several decades previously. Zulu musician Solomon Linda had written the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and with his group, The Evening Birds, released it as a single in 1939. It became a huge hit in South Africa, selling in the neighborhood of 100,000 copies. By the late 1940s, it had become a staple for American folk group The Weavers. Dozens of artists recorded the song during the 1950s.

The Tokens and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” met during 1961 when they issued the song as a single for the RCA Label. It reached the top of the Billboard Magazine Pop Singles Chart, December 18, 1961, and remained in that position for three weeks.

Jay Siegel’s high falsetto lead vocal, soaring above the tight harmonies of Hank Medress and the Margo brothers, was a slice of pop heaven. They also increased the tempo, which made the song perfect for radio play during the early 1960s.

It was one of the songs that moved the doo-wop sound of the 1950s into the more pop era of the 1960s. This modernization of a classic 1950s vocal style helped to open up a new decade of music and recording techniques. Their version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” still sounds modern 50 years after its release.

The song gained new life when it became a part of Disney’s The Lion King. It has been estimated that the song has now generated 15 million dollars in royalty revenues.

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” ushered 1961 out and welcomed 1962 in style as The Tokens topped the music world 50 years ago

So what did you do in high school? Neil Sedaka met Howie Greenfield with whom he would write hundreds of songs, he dated Carol Klein who would emerge as Carol King (for whom he wrote the top ten hit “Oh Carol”), become the lead singer of the group that would evolve into The Tokens, and won a piano competition judged by Arthur Rubinstein. He may not have known it at the time but the best was yet to come.

By 1958, Sedaka and Greenfield were working regularly as songwriters. Their big break came when Connie Francis recorded their “Stupid Cupid” and it became a big hit. By the end of the year, Sedaka had embarked upon a solo career that would make him one of the stars of the pre-Beatles 1960s era. While he had a career revival during the mid-70s and continued to record and tour for 50 years, it was his early ’60s series of smooth pop hits that are memorable.

Just over 50 years ago he was scheduled to record their newest composition, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.” The night before the session he wrote the words, (well, sort of words), “Comma, comma, down-doo-be-doo-down down,” which became a catch phrase for early ’60s pop and rock and roll. It helped to propel the song to the top of the Billboard magazine Pop Singles Chart.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was a catchy up-tempo number that was just over two minutes of pop heaven. Even though it was a vocal solo, it had a wonderful doo-wop feel to it. His voice had a perfect tone for material like this. He would re-record the song during late 1974 as a slow ballad and it became a top 10 hit for the second time. The song has been covered by dozens of artists since its release but none can compare to the original. It can still be heard on oldies stations.

Neil Sedaka has produced over two dozen hits during his career, but “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” remains his signature song. It may have come from a simpler era, but 50 years ago it ruled the music world in the United States.

He is definitely, mucho gay. I drove him to his mother’s house is N. Fort Lauderdale and his Russian boyfriend stayed with us at our home in Fort Lauderdale. This was about 6 years ago. We met him at our home in The Pines, Fire Island.

Sounds like a little Russian free loader, Tight ass singer would not pay for a hotel room for his slave. When halloween comes round does he like to Treat a Trick ?.

Definitely gay. I saw him backstage at an event in Napa, CA and he was with a much younger guy who was clearly gay.

I can absolutely first handedly corroborate the story of the younger blonde Russian to be true because I was lucky to meet them myself on Fire Island a couple summers ago. Neil was incredibly cordial as was his mate, even taking to the piano and singing Sweet Caroline, He certainly wasn’t hiding as this is a gay resort (I stay at my brother’s beach house every summer).

As for the naysayers, this wouldn’t be the first marriage with children and an understanding. Especially from Neil’s generation and his career, I’m sure he loves his wife but in a different wan then most couples and it works for them, I say that is great!

Sweet Carolin ?
Your talking about Neil Diamond ?
WAW YIP lets all start a rumor about him being gay too? Laughable this internet is.

I have no doubt that he is gay. I recall seeing him on the Johnny Carson show a long time ago-I’m thinking it was about 1985-give or take a few years. Sedaka sang some song and then it was time to converse with Johnny. What I distinctly remember was how nervous Sedaka was. He was clearly uncomfortable and he seemed to make Carson highly uncomfortable too. It was an “Aha” moment for me-I was thinking this guy is gay and he’s not comfortable with his orientation and suppression of his being. He was making others equally uncomfortable.

It’s now OK to be gay in the military and there is gay marriage so Neil or any other show business person has nothing to fear. However, it is up to Neil and Neil ONLY if he wants to come out. He is from a different era when it was not OK to be admittedly gay and in show business so performers TRIED to keep it hidden, like Liberace and Rock Hudson. Neil’s cowriter Howie Greenfield was openly gay and did not care as he was NOT the performer that people paid to see and buy records from. Until such time we will have to wait and see what Neil’s choice will be

NOT GAY.

Wait all you like.

Great album great singer.

The Tokens began as one of the many tough doo-wop groups that emerged from New York City during the early-to-mid-1950s. The original line-up included future pre-Beatles era star Neil Sedaka, Hank Medress, Eddie Rabkin, and Cynthia Zolotin. By the end of the decade the only original member left was Medress. He was then joined by brothers Mitch and Phil Margo, Jay Siegel, and guitarist Joe Venneri.

The reconstituted Tokens would go on to a moderately successful career that was highlighted by issuing one of the most memorable singles of the rock ‘n’ roll era.

Meanwhile in South Africa there had been a local song that had been popular several decades previously. Zulu musician Solomon Linda had written the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and with his group, The Evening Birds, released it as a single in 1939. It became a huge hit in South Africa, selling in the neighborhood of 100,000 copies. By the late 1940s, it had become a staple for American folk group The Weavers. Dozens of artists recorded the song during the 1950s.

The Tokens and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” met during 1961 when they issued the song as a single for the RCA Label. It reached the top of the Billboard Magazine Pop Singles Chart, December 18, 1961, and remained in that position for three weeks.

Jay Siegel’s high falsetto lead vocal, soaring above the tight harmonies of Hank Medress and the Margo brothers, was a slice of pop heaven. They also increased the tempo, which made the song perfect for radio play during the early 1960s.

It was one of the songs that moved the doo-wop sound of the 1950s into the more pop era of the 1960s. This modernization of a classic 1950s vocal style helped to open up a new decade of music and recording techniques. Their version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” still sounds modern 50 years after its release.

The song gained new life when it became a part of Disney’s The Lion King. It has been estimated that the song has now generated 15 million dollars in royalty revenues.

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” ushered 1961 out and welcomed 1962 in style as The Tokens topped the music world 50 years ago

So what did you do in high school? Neil Sedaka met Howie Greenfield with whom he would write hundreds of songs, he dated Carol Klein who would emerge as Carol King (for whom he wrote the top ten hit “Oh Carol”), become the lead singer of the group that would evolve into The Tokens, and won a piano competition judged by Arthur Rubinstein. He may not have known it at the time but the best was yet to come.

By 1958, Sedaka and Greenfield were working regularly as songwriters. Their big break came when Connie Francis recorded their “Stupid Cupid” and it became a big hit. By the end of the year, Sedaka had embarked upon a solo career that would make him one of the stars of the pre-Beatles 1960s era. While he had a career revival during the mid-70s and continued to record and tour for 50 years, it was his early ’60s series of smooth pop hits that are memorable.

Just over 50 years ago he was scheduled to record their newest composition, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.” The night before the session he wrote the words, (well, sort of words), “Comma, comma, down-doo-be-doo-down down,” which became a catch phrase for early ’60s pop and rock and roll. It helped to propel the song to the top of the Billboard magazine Pop Singles Chart.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was a catchy up-tempo number that was just over two minutes of pop heaven. Even though it was a vocal solo, it had a wonderful doo-wop feel to it. His voice had a perfect tone for material like this. He would re-record the song during late 1974 as a slow ballad and it became a top 10 hit for the second time. The song has been covered by dozens of artists since its release but none can compare to the original. It can still be heard on oldies stations.

Neil Sedaka has produced over two dozen hits during his career, but “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” remains his signature song. It may have come from a simpler era, but 50 years ago it ruled the music world in the United States.

The Tokens began as one of the many tough doo-wop groups that emerged from New York City during the early-to-mid-1950s. The original line-up included future pre-Beatles era star Neil Sedaka, Hank Medress, Eddie Rabkin, and Cynthia Zolotin. By the end of the decade the only original member left was Medress. He was then joined by brothers Mitch and Phil Margo, Jay Siegel, and guitarist Joe Venneri.

The reconstituted Tokens would go on to a moderately successful career that was highlighted by issuing one of the most memorable singles of the rock ‘n’ roll era.

Meanwhile in South Africa there had been a local song that had been popular several decades previously. Zulu musician Solomon Linda had written the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and with his group, The Evening Birds, released it as a single in 1939. It became a huge hit in South Africa, selling in the neighborhood of 100,000 copies. By the late 1940s, it had become a staple for American folk group The Weavers. Dozens of artists recorded the song during the 1950s.

The Tokens and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” met during 1961 when they issued the song as a single for the RCA Label. It reached the top of the Billboard Magazine Pop Singles Chart, December 18, 1961, and remained in that position for three weeks.

Jay Siegel’s high falsetto lead vocal, soaring above the tight harmonies of Hank Medress and the Margo brothers, was a slice of pop heaven. They also increased the tempo, which made the song perfect for radio play during the early 1960s.

It was one of the songs that moved the doo-wop sound of the 1950s into the more pop era of the 1960s. This modernization of a classic 1950s vocal style helped to open up a new decade of music and recording techniques. Their version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” still sounds modern 50 years after its release.

The song gained new life when it became a part of Disney’s The Lion King. It has been estimated that the song has now generated 15 million dollars in royalty revenues.

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” ushered 1961 out and welcomed 1962 in style as The Tokens topped the music world 50 years ago

So what did you do in high school? Neil Sedaka met Howie Greenfield with whom he would write hundreds of songs, he dated Carol Klein who would emerge as Carol King (for whom he wrote the top ten hit “Oh Carol”), become the lead singer of the group that would evolve into The Tokens, and won a piano competition judged by Arthur Rubinstein. He may not have known it at the time but the best was yet to come.

By 1958, Sedaka and Greenfield were working regularly as songwriters. Their big break came when Connie Francis recorded their “Stupid Cupid” and it became a big hit. By the end of the year, Sedaka had embarked upon a solo career that would make him one of the stars of the pre-Beatles 1960s era. While he had a career revival during the mid-70s and continued to record and tour for 50 years, it was his early ’60s series of smooth pop hits that are memorable.

Just over 50 years ago he was scheduled to record their newest composition, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.” The night before the session he wrote the words, (well, sort of words), “Comma, comma, down-doo-be-doo-down down,” which became a catch phrase for early ’60s pop and rock and roll. It helped to propel the song to the top of the Billboard magazine Pop Singles Chart.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was a catchy up-tempo number that was just over two minutes of pop heaven. Even though it was a vocal solo, it had a wonderful doo-wop feel to it. His voice had a perfect tone for material like this. He would re-record the song during late 1974 as a slow ballad and it became a top 10 hit for the second time. The song has been covered by dozens of artists since its release but none can compare to the original. It can still be heard on oldies stations.

Neil Sedaka has produced over two dozen hits during his career, but “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” remains his signature song. It may have come from a simpler era, but 50 years ago it ruled the music world in the United States.

The Tokens began as one of the many tough doo-wop groups that emerged from New York City during the early-to-mid-1950s. The original line-up included future pre-Beatles era star Neil Sedaka, Hank Medress, Eddie Rabkin, and Cynthia Zolotin. By the end of the decade the only original member left was Medress. He was then joined by brothers Mitch and Phil Margo, Jay Siegel, and guitarist Joe Venneri.

The reconstituted Tokens would go on to a moderately successful career that was highlighted by issuing one of the most memorable singles of the rock ‘n’ roll era.

Meanwhile in South Africa there had been a local song that had been popular several decades previously. Zulu musician Solomon Linda had written the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and with his group, The Evening Birds, released it as a single in 1939. It became a huge hit in South Africa, selling in the neighborhood of 100,000 copies. By the late 1940s, it had become a staple for American folk group The Weavers. Dozens of artists recorded the song during the 1950s.

The Tokens and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” met during 1961 when they issued the song as a single for the RCA Label. It reached the top of the Billboard Magazine Pop Singles Chart, December 18, 1961, and remained in that position for three weeks.

Jay Siegel’s high falsetto lead vocal, soaring above the tight harmonies of Hank Medress and the Margo brothers, was a slice of pop heaven. They also increased the tempo, which made the song perfect for radio play during the early 1960s.

It was one of the songs that moved the doo-wop sound of the 1950s into the more pop era of the 1960s. This modernization of a classic 1950s vocal style helped to open up a new decade of music and recording techniques. Their version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” still sounds modern 50 years after its release.

The song gained new life when it became a part of Disney’s The Lion King. It has been estimated that the song has now generated 15 million dollars in royalty revenues.

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” ushered 1961 out and welcomed 1962 in style as The Tokens topped the music world 50 years ago

The post The Lion Roared At The Top Of The Charts 50 Years Ago appeared first on Blogcritics.

So what did you do in high school? Neil Sedaka met Howie Greenfield with whom he would write hundreds of songs, he dated Carol Klein who would emerge as Carol King (for whom he wrote the top ten hit “Oh Carol”), become the lead singer of the group that would evolve into The Tokens, and won a piano competition judged by Arthur Rubinstein. He may not have known it at the time but the best was yet to come.

By 1958, Sedaka and Greenfield were working regularly as songwriters. Their big break came when Connie Francis recorded their “Stupid Cupid” and it became a big hit. By the end of the year, Sedaka had embarked upon a solo career that would make him one of the stars of the pre-Beatles 1960s era. While he had a career revival during the mid-70s and continued to record and tour for 50 years, it was his early ’60s series of smooth pop hits that are memorable.

Just over 50 years ago he was scheduled to record their newest composition, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.” The night before the session he wrote the words, (well, sort of words), “Comma, comma, down-doo-be-doo-down down,” which became a catch phrase for early ’60s pop and rock and roll. It helped to propel the song to the top of the Billboard magazine Pop Singles Chart.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was a catchy up-tempo number that was just over two minutes of pop heaven. Even though it was a vocal solo, it had a wonderful doo-wop feel to it. His voice had a perfect tone for material like this. He would re-record the song during late 1974 as a slow ballad and it became a top 10 hit for the second time. The song has been covered by dozens of artists since its release but none can compare to the original. It can still be heard on oldies stations.

Neil Sedaka has produced over two dozen hits during his career, but “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” remains his signature song. It may have come from a simpler era, but 50 years ago it ruled the music world in the United States.

The post Neil Sedaka Was Number One 50 Years Ago appeared first on Blogcritics.