@arbutus27 The guitar picker you ask about is Kevin Neill, he was the last surviving member of the trio, but sadly he also died in March 2010. More of his playing can be found on Youtube.
Karl Denver has KEVIN NEILL & JERRY COTTRELL in his Trio and this wee pint sized Glaswegian had a terrific voice.Thanks Kark,great music,and thankl you for listing this one potatoscone{or tattie scone is better!!,Murray fae the bonnie city o' Perth.
I just discovered Karl Denver on YouTube, i had never heard of him before, This guy is talented indeed!, Rest In Peace Karl, YOU WERE AWESOME!!!!! (:->)
You'll be pleased to know Karl's son Mark is a most excellent bass player in my band ' The Sin Kings'. Just type "sin kings bedford" into google to see the guy in effect. Sorry about lack of link but not allowed.
What a fantastic version of Wimoweh. Remember, it was probably just as bold for a white group to perform an African folk song as it was for so called Black Groups performing in what was a predominantly White media. The barriers had to be torn down from both ends.
I have heard many rumours going different ways on this, but I have not seen a case reference to look up, not that it is that important to me.
I enjoy hearing various versions of the song, including the original Solomon Linda. It seems that it was a real nasty business regarding Denver who, from what I hear, eventually paid some money to Linda for use of the basic song. Is that the case?
@haitipi I think there was a genuine mistake made by the Weavers who thought this was a Trad song so no royalties needed to be paid.It was actually an original composition by Solomon Linda,but he had sold his rights to it years before.His original had no lyrics,so the Weavers wrote their own under the name Paul Campbell.When it was recorded again by The Tokens,more words were added so more names appeared on the composers credits.Years later Solomon Lindas family did receive due royalties.
There used to be a video on youtube (and hopefully there still is) of this song, but performed by 3 guys (2 white, 1 black) at a university campus (I think), where they got the audience to split into 3 groups and sing the backing tune for them.
I've loved Karl's version since I was a kid; shame the sync of audio and video is out a bit as it's a pretty cool live perfomance (Jack Good always knew how to put on a show!).
Kevin Neil was such an inspirational man. I worked with Kevin many times in his own band and as a support. Everyone I know loved Kevin and he always had fresh musical ideas to offer. A great loss !!!
With the passing of the last of the original recording trio it feels almost like closure on this uniquely talented group of musicians, but their music will live on , Their Wimoweh recording will be 50 years old next year.
Keith Elliottt who replaced Gerry in the late 70's still around
sadly kevin neill passed away on saturday 19th march 2010 he was the last one to pass away from the trio..great guy and will be greatly missed...son-in-law..mark
Sadly lead guitarist KEVIN NEILL passed away at home yesterday, Saturday 13 March, 2010
One of Britain's all time great guitarists and musicians. Besides association with Karl he toured with Johnny Ray, recoded and toured with Anthony Newlwey, accompanied Vera Lynn, Frankie Laine, Frankie Vaughan and recorded on trombone with Don Lang's Frantic Five and Lord Rockinham's IX, Joe Loss and Eric Winstone and many more.
I saw Carl performing near Granada Bowl in Manchester back in the 80's. We couldn't get a lane for bowling and went around the corner to a pub for a drink. He just happened to be playing with his band and by the time he had finished I was glad we missed the bowling. A truly great and underated performer. I'm very glad to see this video here - thank you for sharing it with us.
Not at all funny. Just a total lack of respect for Kevin Neill one of the greatest lead guitarists odf the 1960's. Toureds with Johnny Ray, Anthont Newley, Don Lang & the Frantic Five, Frankie Vaughan, Frankie Laine, Vera Lynn and, Joe Loss Band and 26 years with Kar.. Also Examiner electric guitar London College. of Music, In his late 70's still touring with The Bachelors. Like Karl one of the best!!
Steady on... the "tub of lard" comment is surely mocking Hattersley, not the great Kevin. It's a reference to a famous incident involving the pompous dog diarist, and his unreliability.
Did someone say Karl Denver was from Denton? He was born in Scotland, real name Angus McKenzie. He was in the Royal Navy and jumped ship in America. He spent two years doing the country and western scene before he was recaptured.
Actually he was a Merchant Seaman, with the first joining the Norwegian Merchant Navy on leavibg school at 14. He also served in the Argyll & sutherland Highlanders on National Service, being wounded in head and leg in action in the Korean war.
@overstrand444 I'm an ex-Para, and my older brother bought several Karl Denver ep's( remember them?!)
I had a neighbour who had served with the Argylls in Korea- and it was one hell of a shift, fighting off human wave attacks and being napalmed by the Yanks ( the fault of Brigade HQ, not the Yanks)
I'm intrigued by the notion that KD served- any references? I've tried but can't find any. It may have been a factor in his drinking, more's the pity.
For the enlightenment of all interested, the name of the SA acapella group is Ladysmith Black Mambazo (two "m"'s and an "o" in the last word), who didn't start recording until the late '60s-- well after this video was produced. LBM is great and Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight/Wimoweh) is a certainly old enough to be fair game for all artistic interpretation, regardless of the "color" of the artist. IMHO
karl denver is my great uncle :D he came from springburn i glasgow where i come from :D, it was my gran that told me or i wouldn't have found out, lol i now think he is the best :P. rip great uncle karl xxx
This is the best version of wimoweh by a country mile...sheer exuberance and virtuousity of the tonsil region...second to none..have loved it since the day It came out. Tick VG.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
go to hell all you he stole this song from an African group called black mabaza and its called imbube get it right you crackers you steal everything bum ass fucks be proud of something you did'nt take
Disgraceful language that displays complete lack of knowledge about the song written 69 years ago by Zulu Solomon Linda and since ecorded around 180, but none as uniquely exhilerating as Karl Denver. Versions of the song have featured in at least 15 films too.
"He" didn't steal the song: Wimoweh was already a folkie stabdard, recorded and performed by lots of other people before this version, most notably Pete Seeger. I assume you mean "Ladysmith" Black Mabaza, but even here you're being lazy and slipshod: It's Solomon Lindas song, not theirs. Could everyone bleating about theft PLEASE read the excellent article I've linked to in the "About" section before they make their ill-informed comments?
in any case, even if it had been ladysmith black mambazo's own song, karl denver must have been bloody clever to steal something in 1964 that they'd recorded in 1999
this has been my favourite song for years. when i was little the only cd mum would let me play with was the ultimate country cd, on which (first cd, track 13 hahaha) this song is recorded. There is something about not having recognisable words in a song tht lets you make up the words and meanings youself. i love this song and i allways will, thank you so much for posting this up, it was lovely to see him actually performing it! and with backing dancers! when i was young my routines were better!
Just read about the new digitally remastered Wimoweh CD. A"Must Have" But as I type I am looking at my 1961 LP "WIMOWEH -KARL DENVER" It's a bit battered now, but I wouldn't part with it. It's still playable,and I love his version of "The Peanut Vendor"
And I wouldn't part with my original LP's either, but the Vocalion CD release enables me to listen to The Karl Denver Trio in my car or where ever I am, it also makes most of Karl's early recordings to a new, wider audience of fans who might otherwise not have access to 48 year old vinyl recordings or equipiment to play them on. This new release will keep Karl's voice alive. I hope Vocalion have the means to issue At The Yew Tree and With Love albums on one CD too,
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I have a better one for the typical Texas American version of English: " Y'awl ..."
This Denver character has no concept of anything outside of his Lone Star State - let alone anything remotely African ...
As I said in my previous post: 'A bloody Insult!' - just like Hollywood painting white folk black to play Africans, Arabs and Native Americans ... aaaaaaaaargh ...
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Oh ... He's ScoRtish thus his need to scream like a stuffed pig or sound all Yankeefied with his fake Texas-style drawl ...
I wish some of these buggers would re-title some of their interpretations of heralded folk-songs of yesteryear - instead of belittling various ethnicities ... aaaargh ...
Or am I to believe - that until some westerner delivers a convoluted version of anything foreign .. it remains unacceptable ... sigh ...
No he was Scottish thus he already existed outwith the Lone Star State, 5 minutes of research could have stopped you looking like such a total vagina. Instead, you jump right in and have a misdirected rant about racism and the belittling of ethnicities that does a disservice to the fight against real racism.
Last i checked yodelling was Swiss so if anyone should get upset about this it should be them. They're too busy skiing and eating Toblerone to give a shit.
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was based on "Wimoweh", which in turn was based on Solomon Linda's "Mbube". Follow the link in the info box for the full story (you'll have to click "More info" to see it).
Great news: On 24 November, 2008, Dutton Vocalion released all the original tracks from 1961 and 1962 Decca Ace of Clubs albums "Wimoweh" and "Karl Denver" digitally remastered on a CD, Wimoweh/Karl Denver, Ref. CDLK 4378.
December 21 this year marks the tenth anniversary of Karl's death. A full national radio tribute of his enigmatic life and career is long overdue. Wimoweh and the other hits are wholly representative of his remarkable voice range. Come on BBC please get it sorted.
"Dogs bits" indeed. I just dug out my copy and slapped it in the juke- May treat you all to a vid. of it , when I can get a younger family member to upload it. I`m as old as the `box. lol...Watch this space.
i am 14 and i love this song, i love 60s music i listen to it with my grandma and grandad. all my friends think i'm weird. but i,m not changing my taste in music for anyone.
Frog eh....what joy,what passion,what vocal range-i bet it was different each time he did it.go on viewers -have a try,and sing/yodel like that....its great fun,but i get boots thrown at me.for me, KD's is the def' version of this ancient tribal chant.
Hahaha, I have this song by Karl and the boys as my message signal on my phone, highest volume! I always scare the HELL out of people ^^ I love this song, and Karl! Thanks for uploading :D
I was in my Teens in the sixties,and i remember Karl and the trio,just wondering did they record a song called Seven Golden Daffodills..?Wimhoweh there was a lot of versions and some called it the lion sleeps tonight,but i reckon i like karls version best,
Travelled to the UK from my home in Crete a couple of weeks ago and visited my dad in Stockport Cemetery. Decided to take a short walk around and came across Karl's grave ... what an honour it was to say "Hi" to Karl after all these years ... didn't even know he was there, just a few yards away from my dad. What a voice. What an entertainer. Heaven's surely rockin' these days!!!!!!!!!!
Hi,i live in Blackburn Lancs and thanks for the inf i will nip over to Stockport and pay my respects to Karl,drop me a line if you wish,we can swap a few stories.
You may be interested: its said that Karl launched his act in Blackburn at a pub possibly The Aqueduct?? However The Karl Denver Trio certainly appeared at Balckburn's Starlight Club: 4 January '64. 20 Feb. 1966, 30 April, '67. 17 March '68. 21 December '69. 7 June,'70
Ya very interesting as i do know the Aqueduct Pub which in those days used to have many great acts performing mainly on Sunday lunch a great comedian called bernard perkins and maybe Karl did appear there,the Starlight club i did see him upthere,another great club full of great acts Dubliners,little and large and a great little act called Dicky and dotty,they were really great entertaining venues the starlight club is now a mosque..lol many thanks r u from Blackburn yourself?
Absolute CLASS!!! This man is the stuff that legends are made of. Shout from the rooftops, let anyone who'll listen about the genius that is Karl Denver... good innit!
Having read all the comments, readers might like to know there are at least 19 albums of his music to collect, albeit only six completely originals. I met the Trio arounfd 1984 and they claimed their EP By A Sleepy Lagoon that was on the 1962 EP charts for 20weeks, reaching No2 was "the biggest selling EP of all time". MJC
everyone remembers Wimoweh, great as it is, far from the Trio's best recordings, perhaps one day the gems from 1960's Decca LP's like: Wimoweh, At The Yew Tree, Karl Denver (Ace of Clubs), With Love from Karl Denver will be put on a compilation set as tribute to the most unique sound of the Sixties. They've been in store far too long! Let's start a campaign. Why has Karl denver been brushed aside?
I absolutely agree with about getting Karl Denver back in the public's hearing. This guy's music, talent, style etc is uniquely brilliant. I just can't atop listening to my 'Wimoweh' album.
@yellow512 Totally agree with you yellow512, Karl was the greatest and had a very powerful voice and a unique style, and doesn't deserve to be brushed aside. I have been searching for more of him on film or video without success. Come on you TV and Record companies dig deep into your archives and see what you can come up with. Please.
My dad was Gerry Cottrell. It is great to read the comments posted. It is lovely that I can still watch him Karl and Kevin on the videos. My dad is missed by all the family especially my mum,husband and his grandchildren Laura,Katy and Molly and also his great-grand-daughter Ellie-Jane. Claire
I often wonder if your Dad and Karl ever realised the sheer joy they brought to the lives of so very many people. I was in my teens in the 60s and loved every minute of it. Your Dad and Karl were a huge part of that and they are both sorely missed.
yes - it,s great but not better than his "marcheta" - i hear you ... your sweet voice is calling ... me back to your arms once again ... who's got that stashed up in the attic somewhere ? .....
maybe not the first version as someone said, but the greatest...undoubtly. Little is heard from Karl but he had great songs like Can you forgive me? I,ve got this video from the film Just for fun, coming soon to YT
every single person who reads this is going to find this hard to believe , but karl denver was my grandads cousin (my grandads called william downie) my name is nicolle downie
karl denver's version of wimoweh is perhaps the best example of primitive garage rock, despite it's origins and Denver's love of country. Awesome, I never tire of this version, nor the studio recording. Sublime, beautiful, raw and powerful.
<Sigh> If you don't know the name of the "South African guy" (It's Solomon Linda) then it's hardly worth commenting, is it? Particularly when I've already put a link to an exhaustive history of the song in the description.
Does anyone know if this is the Kevin Neill who had a single out in 1974 called "The Harry Lime Theme"
~~~~~
It's the same Kevin Neill - I've only heard that track once on Radio. If I recall correctly there was a lot of laughing on it. Kevin is now a member of The Bachelors (formerly The New Bachelors) When part of the Karl Denver Trio it was part of the cabaret act that he kept straying into the Harry Lime Theme.
Does anyone know if this is the Kevin Neill who had a single out in 1974 called "The Harry Lime Theme" it certainly sounds like it from the guitar work. I have the single and would also like to know if there are any photos or video.
Yes it was did you know hw is also a London School Of Music examiner, electric guitar, agreat musician and at 77 still touring and cruising as one third of John Stokes Batchelors. MJC
Fantastic! I remember that Shindig performance as having more of an impression on me than "the show business phenomenon of the century" Beatles performance on that show...over the top! So much better than the Decca studio recording. Awesome!!
Thanks for the 'Never Goodbye' track.!!FABULOUS!! Another old track I am trying to trace,is by a band called 'The Pedlers'.I don't recall the title of the track,but I'm sure it was a ballad.'The Pedlers' or 'The Pedlars' were a 3 piece band and the lead singer played an organ.Ring any bells?
"Just theft, nothing else"? Since Solomon Linda's family have finally received substantial damages, I think it's more like "theft and reparation". See the 3rd Ear Music Forum article for the whole complicated story.
I remember this song from when I was a teenager in the sixties.I used to love it.Great to see this video,but what a shitty version compared to the origonal.Another Karl Denver song that I loved from the sixties was 'Never Goodbye'.I would love to hear that again.Anyone know it? Thanks for the vid.
Haha, love the Scotland The Brave bit in the guitar solo! (1:30)
Aidinovic 3 weeks ago
Who the HELL is that guitar picker? Go man go!
arbutus27 3 months ago
@arbutus27 The guitar picker you ask about is Kevin Neill, he was the last surviving member of the trio, but sadly he also died in March 2010. More of his playing can be found on Youtube.
DelTangBrav 1 month ago
Karl Denver has KEVIN NEILL & JERRY COTTRELL in his Trio and this wee pint sized Glaswegian had a terrific voice.Thanks Kark,great music,and thankl you for listing this one potatoscone{or tattie scone is better!!,Murray fae the bonnie city o' Perth.
dougallsdiscs 4 months ago
I just discovered Karl Denver on YouTube, i had never heard of him before, This guy is talented indeed!, Rest In Peace Karl, YOU WERE AWESOME!!!!! (:->)
lpdog82 6 months ago
You'll be pleased to know Karl's son Mark is a most excellent bass player in my band ' The Sin Kings'. Just type "sin kings bedford" into google to see the guy in effect. Sorry about lack of link but not allowed.
daveleggpvt 6 months ago
Totally nuts, and truly wonderful. Check out those bopping girls daddy-o!
heckmacbuff 8 months ago
Sadly all three are now deceased,but what a great performance.
myepiphone 8 months ago
joe was a good friend to me i will miss a great showman and friend god bless you joe
kempo925 9 months ago
I love it - but I can't quite make out the lyrics?
jaffabend 11 months ago
@jaffabend .I don't think it has any lyrics as such,it doesn't seem to need them.
myepiphone 7 months ago
still got the lp mint con just bril
vi19101 1 year ago
EXCELLENT!!!
happyjack39 1 year ago
I can remember playing this on my mothers record player..45.. I loved it..nice to be able to hear it again
OLDANDFAIRLYBALD 1 year ago
What a fantastic version of Wimoweh. Remember, it was probably just as bold for a white group to perform an African folk song as it was for so called Black Groups performing in what was a predominantly White media. The barriers had to be torn down from both ends.
haitipi 1 year ago
@haitipi Check the court case!
kjclarke56 1 year ago
@kjclarke56
I have heard many rumours going different ways on this, but I have not seen a case reference to look up, not that it is that important to me.
I enjoy hearing various versions of the song, including the original Solomon Linda. It seems that it was a real nasty business regarding Denver who, from what I hear, eventually paid some money to Linda for use of the basic song. Is that the case?
haitipi 1 year ago
@haitipi I only remember there was a court case and the judge ruled that no royalties had to be paid as the original had no lyrics. How fair is that!
kjclarke56 1 year ago
@haitipi I think there was a genuine mistake made by the Weavers who thought this was a Trad song so no royalties needed to be paid.It was actually an original composition by Solomon Linda,but he had sold his rights to it years before.His original had no lyrics,so the Weavers wrote their own under the name Paul Campbell.When it was recorded again by The Tokens,more words were added so more names appeared on the composers credits.Years later Solomon Lindas family did receive due royalties.
myepiphone 7 months ago
Top notch lead guitar. Superb.
Downtroddenwife 1 year ago
There used to be a video on youtube (and hopefully there still is) of this song, but performed by 3 guys (2 white, 1 black) at a university campus (I think), where they got the audience to split into 3 groups and sing the backing tune for them.
Can anybody direct me to it?
irishosaru 1 year ago
@irishosaru could have been the tokens
dosybeak 1 year ago
@irishosaru could have been the tokens.i have it on record by them
dosybeak 1 year ago
I've loved Karl's version since I was a kid; shame the sync of audio and video is out a bit as it's a pretty cool live perfomance (Jack Good always knew how to put on a show!).
JohnnyGuitar1958 1 year ago
i disagree, a wonderful version of the song, bold and daring attempt for the time period
pat562712 1 year ago
Sorry,I didn't realise that Kevin has recently died.God rest all three great musicians.
myepiphone 1 year ago
Simply great ! God rest Karl and Gerry and keep on rockin Kevin !
myepiphone 1 year ago
jajaja....great......every day i enter in you utbe i discover a new thing!!!!! amazing....
tejepollo 1 year ago
Kevin Neil was such an inspirational man. I worked with Kevin many times in his own band and as a support. Everyone I know loved Kevin and he always had fresh musical ideas to offer. A great loss !!!
jazsinger1 1 year ago
What in the name of god is this crap?
davidn87 1 year ago
Totally irrelevant comment. I feel so sorry for sad sender.
We who know - know!
Curio15466 1 year ago
@davidn87: If you are in front of a mirror, that crap is called "you".
britdemmen 1 year ago
sadly kevin neill passed away on march 19th 2010 last of the trio..great guy will be missed by everyone who knew him rip kev...mark
gneill87 1 year ago
Kevin passed away at home on 13 March, 2010
His funeral is on 19 March 2010
With the passing of the last of the original recording trio it feels almost like closure on this uniquely talented group of musicians, but their music will live on , Their Wimoweh recording will be 50 years old next year.
Keith Elliottt who replaced Gerry in the late 70's still around
overstrand444 1 year ago
@gneill87 ..sorry kevin died on the 13th march..funeral is on the 19th....mark
gneill87 1 year ago
sadly kevin neill passed away on saturday 19th march 2010 he was the last one to pass away from the trio..great guy and will be greatly missed...son-in-law..mark
gneill87 1 year ago
Sadly lead guitarist KEVIN NEILL passed away at home yesterday, Saturday 13 March, 2010
One of Britain's all time great guitarists and musicians. Besides association with Karl he toured with Johnny Ray, recoded and toured with Anthony Newlwey, accompanied Vera Lynn, Frankie Laine, Frankie Vaughan and recorded on trombone with Don Lang's Frantic Five and Lord Rockinham's IX, Joe Loss and Eric Winstone and many more.
overstrand444 1 year ago
I saw Carl performing near Granada Bowl in Manchester back in the 80's. We couldn't get a lane for bowling and went around the corner to a pub for a drink. He just happened to be playing with his band and by the time he had finished I was glad we missed the bowling. A truly great and underated performer. I'm very glad to see this video here - thank you for sharing it with us.
flowerpotman 1 year ago
eh ee EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
uzzan101 2 years ago 2
Lived on Melbourne St in REDDISH me thinks and drank in the Big Club, Houldsworth and Red Nose all reddish boozers
nelsonmouse 2 years ago
Comment removed
dentonblue1 1 year ago
Have you spotted Roy Hattersley on Karl's left?
I didn't know the tub of lard had been in show business.
mconst 2 years ago
Not at all funny. Just a total lack of respect for Kevin Neill one of the greatest lead guitarists odf the 1960's. Toureds with Johnny Ray, Anthont Newley, Don Lang & the Frantic Five, Frankie Vaughan, Frankie Laine, Vera Lynn and, Joe Loss Band and 26 years with Kar.. Also Examiner electric guitar London College. of Music, In his late 70's still touring with The Bachelors. Like Karl one of the best!!
overstrand444 2 years ago
Steady on... the "tub of lard" comment is surely mocking Hattersley, not the great Kevin. It's a reference to a famous incident involving the pompous dog diarist, and his unreliability.
potatoscone 2 years ago
I cannot get over how perfect this is.
anthalot 2 years ago
Did someone say Karl Denver was from Denton? He was born in Scotland, real name Angus McKenzie. He was in the Royal Navy and jumped ship in America. He spent two years doing the country and western scene before he was recaptured.
Certainly not American!!!
GaryBancroft 2 years ago 4
@GaryBancroft
Actually he was a Merchant Seaman, with the first joining the Norwegian Merchant Navy on leavibg school at 14. He also served in the Argyll & sutherland Highlanders on National Service, being wounded in head and leg in action in the Korean war.
overstrand444 2 years ago
@overstrand444 I'm an ex-Para, and my older brother bought several Karl Denver ep's( remember them?!)
I had a neighbour who had served with the Argylls in Korea- and it was one hell of a shift, fighting off human wave attacks and being napalmed by the Yanks ( the fault of Brigade HQ, not the Yanks)
I'm intrigued by the notion that KD served- any references? I've tried but can't find any. It may have been a factor in his drinking, more's the pity.
Jigaboo123456 2 months ago
How do I buy this performance on video. It's wonderful, even after all these years it stirs up all sorts of emotions.
Sylwin11
sylwin11 2 years ago
About as far away from the Solomon Linda original as it's possible to get, but still bloody brilliant!
CinnAlla 2 years ago 2
try and find the lyrics for that. if yu do i'll give you £100,000 lool
henryhayward 2 years ago
Carl Denver was briliant. And from Denton. Top lad .
ohdofuckoff 2 years ago 3
OMGosh :-)
I haven't heard this for years!
My Dad & I thank you so very very much! :-)
We are both huge fans of Karl Denver.
What GR8 artistic talent & an awesome voice.
We even think he was a tad ahead oh his time in the early 60's :-)
Thanks So Much fr: Dad & I Once Again! :-)
DaveRification 2 years ago 3
Well articulated Berlin; I think it's genius.
gifu1960 2 years ago
Can`t decide if this is madness or genius. Either way i LOVE it !!
Berlingo100 2 years ago 17
@Berlingo100 Genius,,, really,,, passion and ,,, hot damn,,, so much emotion
LuciusEsox1 3 weeks ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I think the high "notes" made me ejaculate
pete687713 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
ugollanoscruz 2 years ago
For the enlightenment of all interested, the name of the SA acapella group is Ladysmith Black Mambazo (two "m"'s and an "o" in the last word), who didn't start recording until the late '60s-- well after this video was produced. LBM is great and Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight/Wimoweh) is a certainly old enough to be fair game for all artistic interpretation, regardless of the "color" of the artist. IMHO
ngiyaxolisa 2 years ago
met karl in the 60s nice man big fan
bjandmatt 2 years ago
Magic!
HengistTheGreat 2 years ago 2
karl denver is my great uncle :D he came from springburn i glasgow where i come from :D, it was my gran that told me or i wouldn't have found out, lol i now think he is the best :P. rip great uncle karl xxx
MakeMeLoveYuu 2 years ago
What a nice story. Karl was one of my first favourites as a 15 year-old. Great voice he had. BEST version. Be proud!
retsofus 2 years ago 3
Doesn't matter a rat's arse who he 'stole' it from...his version is still the best.. Setlle down you racist idiot.
nostromoau 2 years ago
This is the best version of wimoweh by a country mile...sheer exuberance and virtuousity of the tonsil region...second to none..have loved it since the day It came out. Tick VG.
nostromoau 2 years ago 17
This comment has received too many negative votes show
go to hell all you he stole this song from an African group called black mabaza and its called imbube get it right you crackers you steal everything bum ass fucks be proud of something you did'nt take
deerfoot1 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Doesn't matter a rat's arse who he 'stole' it from...his version is still the best.. Setlle down you racist idiot.
nostromoau 2 years ago
Disgraceful language that displays complete lack of knowledge about the song written 69 years ago by Zulu Solomon Linda and since ecorded around 180, but none as uniquely exhilerating as Karl Denver. Versions of the song have featured in at least 15 films too.
yellow512 2 years ago
"He" didn't steal the song: Wimoweh was already a folkie stabdard, recorded and performed by lots of other people before this version, most notably Pete Seeger. I assume you mean "Ladysmith" Black Mabaza, but even here you're being lazy and slipshod: It's Solomon Lindas song, not theirs. Could everyone bleating about theft PLEASE read the excellent article I've linked to in the "About" section before they make their ill-informed comments?
potatoscone 2 years ago
Lot's of lazy shit going on here-it's actually Ladysmith Black Mambazo
TheShireshark 2 years ago
@deerfoot1
in any case, even if it had been ladysmith black mambazo's own song, karl denver must have been bloody clever to steal something in 1964 that they'd recorded in 1999
norristerse 1 year ago
great stuff !
thefirstrayman 2 years ago
this has been my favourite song for years. when i was little the only cd mum would let me play with was the ultimate country cd, on which (first cd, track 13 hahaha) this song is recorded. There is something about not having recognisable words in a song tht lets you make up the words and meanings youself. i love this song and i allways will, thank you so much for posting this up, it was lovely to see him actually performing it! and with backing dancers! when i was young my routines were better!
JennyA215 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I used to like Karl Denver long ago. He produced some good stuff. Whilst this song is exciting it is not listenable. Sorry.
HarrySchneider 2 years ago
Yes...... this is great as it was years ago!!
libramoon2 2 years ago
classic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Azkrav47 2 years ago 2
I remember pissing myself laughing on hearing this as a child. I still do. Funny for all the wrong reasons.
bagstaff1 2 years ago
Just read about the new digitally remastered Wimoweh CD. A"Must Have" But as I type I am looking at my 1961 LP "WIMOWEH -KARL DENVER" It's a bit battered now, but I wouldn't part with it. It's still playable,and I love his version of "The Peanut Vendor"
PJC14 2 years ago
And I wouldn't part with my original LP's either, but the Vocalion CD release enables me to listen to The Karl Denver Trio in my car or where ever I am, it also makes most of Karl's early recordings to a new, wider audience of fans who might otherwise not have access to 48 year old vinyl recordings or equipiment to play them on. This new release will keep Karl's voice alive. I hope Vocalion have the means to issue At The Yew Tree and With Love albums on one CD too,
yellow512 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
My ears are bleeding. we are all more deaf for having heard this. our genes are altered and according to Darwin we will not survive.
mightytalon28 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I have a better one for the typical Texas American version of English: " Y'awl ..."
This Denver character has no concept of anything outside of his Lone Star State - let alone anything remotely African ...
As I said in my previous post: 'A bloody Insult!' - just like Hollywood painting white folk black to play Africans, Arabs and Native Americans ... aaaaaaaaargh ...
kykdaar 3 years ago
He's Scottish ya mad dick
The only insult is the poo dribbling oot yer keyboard and bumhole
Johnnymons 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Oh ... He's ScoRtish thus his need to scream like a stuffed pig or sound all Yankeefied with his fake Texas-style drawl ...
I wish some of these buggers would re-title some of their interpretations of heralded folk-songs of yesteryear - instead of belittling various ethnicities ... aaaargh ...
Or am I to believe - that until some westerner delivers a convoluted version of anything foreign .. it remains unacceptable ... sigh ...
kykdaar 3 years ago
No he was Scottish thus he already existed outwith the Lone Star State, 5 minutes of research could have stopped you looking like such a total vagina. Instead, you jump right in and have a misdirected rant about racism and the belittling of ethnicities that does a disservice to the fight against real racism.
Last i checked yodelling was Swiss so if anyone should get upset about this it should be them. They're too busy skiing and eating Toblerone to give a shit.
In a word, cobblers!
Johnnymons 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
A total mockery - insult to all things African. No wonder the generic American version od "any" African language is Gumba-Gumba ... aaaaargh ...
kykdaar 3 years ago
squirt in my pants this is good
xantia126 3 years ago
lion sleeps tonight ?
ANTICENAARMY2 3 years ago
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was based on "Wimoweh", which in turn was based on Solomon Linda's "Mbube". Follow the link in the info box for the full story (you'll have to click "More info" to see it).
potatoscone 3 years ago 2
Great news: On 24 November, 2008, Dutton Vocalion released all the original tracks from 1961 and 1962 Decca Ace of Clubs albums "Wimoweh" and "Karl Denver" digitally remastered on a CD, Wimoweh/Karl Denver, Ref. CDLK 4378.
yellow512 3 years ago 3
December 21 this year marks the tenth anniversary of Karl's death. A full national radio tribute of his enigmatic life and career is long overdue. Wimoweh and the other hits are wholly representative of his remarkable voice range. Come on BBC please get it sorted.
yellow512 3 years ago
Sorry should read "Wimoweh and the other hits are NOT wholly repesentative his remarkable vovoice range"
yellow512 3 years ago
my brother is 17 and can sing this realy well im only 14 and i was so jealous when my grandma and grandad went to see him live.
griffalo1994 3 years ago
Very interesting.
SwisssBolla 3 years ago
Awesome.
northwest500 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
press 111 if ur honry xD
im pretty bored right now! goto my profile and msg me on MSN! 8u
camputito 3 years ago
"Dogs bits" indeed. I just dug out my copy and slapped it in the juke- May treat you all to a vid. of it , when I can get a younger family member to upload it. I`m as old as the `box. lol...Watch this space.
balamimammy 3 years ago
this guys was the ultimate dogs bits!
GusMcC 3 years ago
This guy...I fucking love this guy.
bebopg210 3 years ago
i am 14 and i love this song, i love 60s music i listen to it with my grandma and grandad. all my friends think i'm weird. but i,m not changing my taste in music for anyone.
Smeaghead25 3 years ago 2
Frog eh....what joy,what passion,what vocal range-i bet it was different each time he did it.go on viewers -have a try,and sing/yodel like that....its great fun,but i get boots thrown at me.for me, KD's is the def' version of this ancient tribal chant.
sealeaf47 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Love the song,he looks like a singing frog lol
XkissmeXkillmeXMCR 3 years ago
Hahaha, I have this song by Karl and the boys as my message signal on my phone, highest volume! I always scare the HELL out of people ^^ I love this song, and Karl! Thanks for uploading :D
tOFFjEPP 3 years ago
I was in my Teens in the sixties,and i remember Karl and the trio,just wondering did they record a song called Seven Golden Daffodills..?Wimhoweh there was a lot of versions and some called it the lion sleeps tonight,but i reckon i like karls version best,
friding999 3 years ago
Travelled to the UK from my home in Crete a couple of weeks ago and visited my dad in Stockport Cemetery. Decided to take a short walk around and came across Karl's grave ... what an honour it was to say "Hi" to Karl after all these years ... didn't even know he was there, just a few yards away from my dad. What a voice. What an entertainer. Heaven's surely rockin' these days!!!!!!!!!!
makrigialos123 3 years ago 3
Hi,i live in Blackburn Lancs and thanks for the inf i will nip over to Stockport and pay my respects to Karl,drop me a line if you wish,we can swap a few stories.
friding999 3 years ago
You may be interested: its said that Karl launched his act in Blackburn at a pub possibly The Aqueduct?? However The Karl Denver Trio certainly appeared at Balckburn's Starlight Club: 4 January '64. 20 Feb. 1966, 30 April, '67. 17 March '68. 21 December '69. 7 June,'70
yellow512 3 years ago
Ya very interesting as i do know the Aqueduct Pub which in those days used to have many great acts performing mainly on Sunday lunch a great comedian called bernard perkins and maybe Karl did appear there,the Starlight club i did see him upthere,another great club full of great acts Dubliners,little and large and a great little act called Dicky and dotty,they were really great entertaining venues the starlight club is now a mosque..lol many thanks r u from Blackburn yourself?
friding999 3 years ago
Thanks for the post many happy memeories of my dad.
Ry42Back 3 years ago
Hi Its Claire Gerrys daughter. I have not been in contact with anyone over the last few years would be nice to catch up.Please contact me.
auburndriver 3 years ago
unbeatable
sturdle 3 years ago 3
Quite amazing n heartwarming
doogz65 3 years ago
Very noble of Pponteva to admit the he/she is stupid.
Nothing stupid about Karl though. Talented and very entertaining. Yes, very good!!!
waldroc942 3 years ago 2
Absolute CLASS!!! This man is the stuff that legends are made of. Shout from the rooftops, let anyone who'll listen about the genius that is Karl Denver... good innit!
74chris66 3 years ago 6
what a stupid song
wahey1 3 years ago
stupid
PPONTEVA 3 years ago
He used to drive his big American car round greater Manchester . the guy is a legend!! A one off!!!!
stwads 3 years ago
I give up, I can't top this...
carcillian 3 years ago
Great!!!!! HE IS MISSED !!!!!!!!!!!!
ALso cant get those girls in the back out of my Mind, What a diffrence from todays ladies. Makes mw kinda wish I was born around that time
veltro2k 3 years ago
I was born around that time, veltro2k, and the only bad thing about it is I'm getting old now.
wtw88 3 years ago 2
at begining,sounds very much like Vic reaves club singer.very good and the original i think, my fave
philllm 3 years ago
BRA!
zaaritha 3 years ago
Great energy in this clip, much better than the session recording. I loved the interpretation and the raw power of Karl's voice. He is missed.
tf424 3 years ago
Wow, was für ein Song. Kann den Titel immer wieder hören, was für ne tolle Nummer! Vielen Dank :-)
einerderwartet 3 years ago
Having read all the comments, readers might like to know there are at least 19 albums of his music to collect, albeit only six completely originals. I met the Trio arounfd 1984 and they claimed their EP By A Sleepy Lagoon that was on the 1962 EP charts for 20weeks, reaching No2 was "the biggest selling EP of all time". MJC
yellow512 4 years ago
everyone remembers Wimoweh, great as it is, far from the Trio's best recordings, perhaps one day the gems from 1960's Decca LP's like: Wimoweh, At The Yew Tree, Karl Denver (Ace of Clubs), With Love from Karl Denver will be put on a compilation set as tribute to the most unique sound of the Sixties. They've been in store far too long! Let's start a campaign. Why has Karl denver been brushed aside?
Michael Clarke North Norfolk coast
yellow512 4 years ago
I absolutely agree with about getting Karl Denver back in the public's hearing. This guy's music, talent, style etc is uniquely brilliant. I just can't atop listening to my 'Wimoweh' album.
Melzmum 3 years ago
@yellow512 Totally agree with you yellow512, Karl was the greatest and had a very powerful voice and a unique style, and doesn't deserve to be brushed aside. I have been searching for more of him on film or video without success. Come on you TV and Record companies dig deep into your archives and see what you can come up with. Please.
Silverlady1 4 months ago
My dad was Gerry Cottrell. It is great to read the comments posted. It is lovely that I can still watch him Karl and Kevin on the videos. My dad is missed by all the family especially my mum,husband and his grandchildren Laura,Katy and Molly and also his great-grand-daughter Ellie-Jane. Claire
auburndriver 4 years ago 2
I often wonder if your Dad and Karl ever realised the sheer joy they brought to the lives of so very many people. I was in my teens in the 60s and loved every minute of it. Your Dad and Karl were a huge part of that and they are both sorely missed.
judge9847 3 years ago 2
i used to see him in benidorm in spain about 9 years ago he was brilliant r.i.p karl
dogmacrew69 4 years ago
great music and great vidoe thanx for posting
lyndloo 4 years ago
yes - it,s great but not better than his "marcheta" - i hear you ... your sweet voice is calling ... me back to your arms once again ... who's got that stashed up in the attic somewhere ? .....
toronstganymede 4 years ago
I totally love it. There is hardly any better yoddeler than Karl neither before or after his passing away.
tOFFjEPP 4 years ago
Iused to go and see karl at the clubs in and around manchester in the early sixtys he used to sing a song called STILL anybody got this
COCHIN33 4 years ago
Great performance by Karl Denver (Angus Murdo McKenzie, 16 December 1931 - 21 December 1998)
UISTMAN59 4 years ago
awesome
hallibus42 4 years ago
Great version, the original?
zaaritha 4 years ago
No, definitely not the original: follow the link in "About This Video" for the full complicated story.
potatoscone 4 years ago
This is such distinctive qulity music. The late Karl Denver was truly unique.
3375tob 4 years ago
Karl was a fantastic talent, this knocks the socks off any other version.
A lovely man and good friend sadly missed.
Bemused3 4 years ago
Wow....this is GREAT
twoslices 4 years ago
Stumbled on this by accident...no idea who they were but what a great version of this song!!
yeoldetoade 4 years ago
maybe not the first version as someone said, but the greatest...undoubtly. Little is heard from Karl but he had great songs like Can you forgive me? I,ve got this video from the film Just for fun, coming soon to YT
JMN37 4 years ago
every single person who reads this is going to find this hard to believe , but karl denver was my grandads cousin (my grandads called william downie) my name is nicolle downie
sweetlilfifer 4 years ago 2
This was the first 'record' I bought, back when records were carved from stone.
myglaren 4 years ago
great work karlos! big cheer for this man...
joliecide 4 years ago
karl denver's version of wimoweh is perhaps the best example of primitive garage rock, despite it's origins and Denver's love of country. Awesome, I never tire of this version, nor the studio recording. Sublime, beautiful, raw and powerful.
thelaughingduck2001 4 years ago
Absolutely marvellous. Many thanks for this fantastic live version. I love it (once a day a least).
cleggjack 4 years ago
Hi,
I beat you i have to listen 2 or 3 times a day; there is nothing like it.
Cheers fellow spirit
3375tob 4 years ago
Quite unique interpretation of the 'Lion Sleeps Tonight Song'. Why didn't we hear more from Karl?
codnchips 4 years ago
Brill footage, a pleasure to watch. Does'nt matter who copied what. Thanx
YvetteCaroline 4 years ago
Google Solomon Linda, Rian Malan and Rolling Stone
Rudirainbow 4 years ago
Or just follow the link in the information for this clip.
potatoscone 4 years ago
actually, I think that solo is what gave Richie Blackmore ideas for 'Highway star' solo
metafis 4 years ago
with a bit of distortion, that solo would not sound out of place in a metal song!
Great video..thanks
metafis 4 years ago
great tune maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan
heartslad 4 years ago
He copied this song! A south African guy made it in the 30s
CrazyShakaZulu 4 years ago
<Sigh> If you don't know the name of the "South African guy" (It's Solomon Linda) then it's hardly worth commenting, is it? Particularly when I've already put a link to an exhaustive history of the song in the description.
potatoscone 4 years ago
sure sure buddy
CrazyShakaZulu 4 years ago
How does he do this
vincentutopia 4 years ago
Does anyone know if this is the Kevin Neill who had a single out in 1974 called "The Harry Lime Theme"
~~~~~
It's the same Kevin Neill - I've only heard that track once on Radio. If I recall correctly there was a lot of laughing on it. Kevin is now a member of The Bachelors (formerly The New Bachelors) When part of the Karl Denver Trio it was part of the cabaret act that he kept straying into the Harry Lime Theme.
DelTangBrav 4 years ago
unbelievable! Thanks
codnchips 4 years ago
Does anyone know if this is the Kevin Neill who had a single out in 1974 called "The Harry Lime Theme" it certainly sounds like it from the guitar work. I have the single and would also like to know if there are any photos or video.
QVXS77 4 years ago
Yes it was did you know hw is also a London School Of Music examiner, electric guitar, agreat musician and at 77 still touring and cruising as one third of John Stokes Batchelors. MJC
yellow512 4 years ago
Fantastic! I remember that Shindig performance as having more of an impression on me than "the show business phenomenon of the century" Beatles performance on that show...over the top! So much better than the Decca studio recording. Awesome!!
boomer647 5 years ago
Thanks for the 'Never Goodbye' track.!!FABULOUS!! Another old track I am trying to trace,is by a band called 'The Pedlers'.I don't recall the title of the track,but I'm sure it was a ballad.'The Pedlers' or 'The Pedlars' were a 3 piece band and the lead singer played an organ.Ring any bells?
texetera 5 years ago
was it "Birth"
swidd1 4 years ago
I thought he looked much better in the 70's with the big handlebar mustache.
deyoungparker 5 years ago
Songs name is Mbube, mening lion in Zulu, author Solomon Linda, 1939, "The Lions sleeps tonight and Wimoweh, is just theft, nothing else.
Alphie3D 5 years ago
"Just theft, nothing else"? Since Solomon Linda's family have finally received substantial damages, I think it's more like "theft and reparation". See the 3rd Ear Music Forum article for the whole complicated story.
potatoscone 5 years ago
I remember this song from when I was a teenager in the sixties.I used to love it.Great to see this video,but what a shitty version compared to the origonal.Another Karl Denver song that I loved from the sixties was 'Never Goodbye'.I would love to hear that again.Anyone know it? Thanks for the vid.
texetera 5 years ago
Texetera - I have just uploaded "Never Goodbye" my first attempt. Sorry I didn't have video of it.
DelTangBrav 5 years ago
beats the shit out of The Lion Sleeps tonight
twoslices 5 years ago
I have waited 45 years to hear this again. AND I got to see him. Heaven
lynettekomidar 5 years ago
You done posted a fandabbydoublehumdinger thar boy!!
FinRaucous 5 years ago
fookin love this song its amazing what a voice
mancpartizan 5 years ago
exact same as drumwolfmail lol
mancpartizan 5 years ago
ten chlap vi kde ma rucnik lol
pampalini2 5 years ago