George David Weiss-composer of 'What a Wonderful World' dies

[Dennis Donovan]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/arts/music/24weiss.html



George David Weiss, a songwriter who had a hand in some of the biggest hits of midcentury pop music, recorded by some of the biggest stars, died on Monday at his home in Oldwick, N.J. He was 89.

Among his most famous numbers were “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” recorded by Elvis Presley; “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” recorded by the Tokens; and “What a Wonderful World,” recorded by Louis Armstrong.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” introduced in Presley’s 1961 film “Blue Hawaii,” was a million-seller. It has words and music by Mr. Weiss, Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore.

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (1961), based on a South African Zulu song first recorded in the 1930s, was given a reworked melody and new lyrics (“In the jungle, the mighty jungle/The lion sleeps tonight”) by Mr. Weiss, Mr. Peretti and Mr. Creatore.

Their adaptation, which kept the refrain — “Wimoweh, wimoweh” — popularized in a 1950s version by the Weavers, became a million-selling hit for the Tokens. Widely recorded since, the song has been used in many motion pictures, including “The Lion King” (1994).
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Cross gently, Mr Weiss...

[Botany]

1. thanx mr weiss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xotoDy5806Y

[Jim__]

2. Eva Cassidy sings "What a Wonderful World"

I think this was the year she died: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1z121_eva-cassidy-what-a-wonderful-world_music

[Rhiannon12866]

3. Wow, what an impressive list...

He certainly did make the world a little more wonderful with his music. Sad to hear he's gone. :(

[pipi_k]

4. Louis Armstrong....

I can't even hear his rendition of "What A Wonderful World" anymore without choking up.

It's played at the end of "Good Morning Vietnam" and contrasts with the scenery in a heartbreaking way.

:(