The Tokens

The Tokens
The Tokens in 1967
Background information
OriginBrooklyn, New York, US
GenresDoo-wop, pop
Years active1955–1978, 1998–2000
LabelsWarwick, RCA Victor, Victor Records, RCA Camden, JVC, HMV, B.T. Puppy Records
MembersJay Siegel's Tokens:
Jay Siegel
Gabriel Dassa
Kurt Yahjian
The Margo's Tokens:
Jay Leslie
Mike Johnson
Noah Margo
Ari Margo
Damien Margo
Past membersNeil Sedaka
Eddie Rabkin
Cynthia Zolotin
Joe Venneri
Brute Force
Hank Medress
Richie Grasso
Bobby Love
Jay Traynor
Mitch Margo
Bill Reid

The Tokens were an American doo-wop band and record production company group from Brooklyn, New York City.[1] The group has had four top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, all in the 1960s, their biggest being the chart-topping 1961 hit single "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" borrowed heavily from the 1939 song "Mbube" by South African singer Solomon Linda. They are also known for having Neil Sedaka as an original member, before he pursued a solo career.

  1. ^ Wynn, Ron. "The Tokens Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved July 16, 2022.