Lion King Soundtrack CD

THE LION KING won the 1999 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

LION KING director Julie Taymor notes that "the South African-style chorus led by Lebo M has become a principal character" in the stage version of Disney's unforgettable story. This chorus, as well as African rhythms, chants, and Zulu dialects are made an essential part of the score, rather than being a mere background as they were in the film version. Expertly intermingled with this specifically African sound are the new comedic songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice, such as "Chow Down," the evil hyena's rock opera theme song; and Zazu the hornbill's wacky "The Morning Report." Beloved songs from the film, including "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Hakuna Matata" are here as well, as are new standouts like the lovely, haunting "They Live in You," written by Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Lebo M.

Recorded at Sony Music Studios, New York, New York.

Principal Cast: Tsidii Le Loka (Rafiki); Samuel E. Wright (Mufasa); Gina Breedlove (Sarabi); Geoff Hoyle (Zazu); John Vickery (Scar); Scott Irby-Ranniar (Young Simba); Kajuana Shuford (Young Nala); Tracy Nicole Chapman (Shenzi); Stanley Wayne Mathis (Banzai); Kevin Cahoon (Ed); Max Casella (Timon); Tom Alan Robbins (Pumbaa); Jason Raize (Simba); Heather Headley (Nala).

Producers: Mark Mancina, Lebo M, Jay Rifkin.Entertainment Weekly (12/19/97, p.79) - "...an instant theater classic..."
- Rating: B