What can I say about this week’s song of the week? Tom Jones’ “Delilah”. Who over the age of thirty hasn’t heard this classic with its infectious “you can’t help but sing along” chorus. On more than one occasion I have heard a sigh or a swoon from some of the ladies in my chair fitness program as they can’t help but recall the crush they had on this handsome sexy singer. Not to leave out the men of course, they love it too!
This week’s song is the timeless classic “Wimoweh” (The Lion Sleeps Tonight), a definite favourite in my chair fitness classes and our Fit as a Fiddle shows. Originally, a South African composition called “Mbube”, which means lion, the tune was written in Zulu and recorded by Solomon Linda in 1939. It sold 100,000 copies! Over time, “Mbube” evolved into the song people of all ages have come to know and love as Wimoweh.
One of my greatest joys is researching songs for the older adult exercise program I teach in Toronto, Canada called Swingin’ Fitness and the seniors entertainment duo I perform in called Fit as a Fiddle. I thought a blog would give me the opportunity to share some of our participant and audience favourites and over time I will suggest some musical gems that have taken a little more effort to uncover.
