The Tokens
The Tokens were an American doo-wop band and record production company group from Brooklyn, New York City. They were formed in 1955 at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn and were initially known as the Linc-Tones. The original members included Neil Sedaka, Hank Medress, Eddie Rabkin, and Cynthia Zolotin. The band underwent several changes, with Rabkin being replaced by Jay Siegel in 1956. Neil Sedaka left the group in 1958 to pursue a solo career, and the band eventually became known as the Tokens in 1960 after recruiting Mitch Margo and his brother Phil Margo.
The Tokens achieved significant success in the 1960s, with four top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Their most famous song, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961 and sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc. The group was notable for not being a cover band, which was unusual for teen vocal groups of the time. They also worked as record producers from 1963 onwards.
The Tokens were active from 1955 to 1978 and had brief revivals from 1998 to 2000. The band had several members over the years, including Jay Siegel, Gabriel Dassa, Kurt Yahjian, and others. They were signed to various labels, including Warwick, RCA Victor, and B.T. Puppy Records.
App
