It's been called "the magic of Disney meets the magical isle of Jamaica", as reggae acts Yellowman, Toots, Gregory Isaacs, Toots, Ziggy Marley, Sly and Robbie, among others, lend their voices to a number of Walt Disney classics.
Walt Disney Records has prepared an album of classic Disney songs newly recorded by a cross-section of top reggae musicians. The Disney Reggae Club features songs from immortal Disney animated films -- from The Little Mermaid to Jungle Book -- recorded by Grammy winning reggae legend Toots (of Toots & the Maytals fame), five-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley, reggae's most prolific and long lasting production team Sly & Robbie, multiple Grammy winner Cedella Marley, Grammy winner Burning Spear, legendary British band UB40 and Hasidic rapper Matisyahu. The album is set to arrive in stores and at online retailers June 8.
Artistes and tracks included on the album are:
Circle of Life (from The Lion King) Performed by Matisyahu
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (from The Lion King) Performed by Cedella Marley
The Bare Necessities (from The Jungle Book) Performed by Steel Pulse
The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Desmond Dekker's reggae classic also featured in The Lion King) Performed by Morgan Heritage
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong classic) Performed by Ziggy Marley
True to Your Heart (from Mulan) Performed by The Wailing Souls
You've Got a Friend in Me (from Toy Story) Performed by Sly & Robbie
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (from Song of the South) Performed by Toots
I Wan'na Be Like You (from The Jungle Book) Performed by UB40
Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat (from The Aristocats) Performed by Michael G & the Easy Star All-Stars
Kiss The Girl (from The Little Mermaid) Performed by Burning Spear
Under The Sea (from The Little Mermaid) Performed by Gregory Isaacs Find Yourself (from Cars) Performed by Yellowman
"The genius of Disney songs is that they are timeless and adaptable to every musical genre," said executive producer Brian Malouf. "Reggae is so joyous and spirited, we knew these songs would lend themselves perfectly. I'm happy to say the artistes, many of them true legends of reggae, all jumped at the chance to participate."
