Rock Artists Who Contributed to Disney Animated Soundtracks
Disney movies have long been celebrated for their enchanting stories and memorable soundtracks. While rock music isn’t the dominant genre in these films, several iconic rock artists have left their mark on Disney soundtracks. Below, we explore eight rock musicians you might have forgotten contributed to some of Disney’s beloved animated classics.
Elton John
In 1994, Elton John teamed up with lyricist Tim Rice to create unforgettable songs for The Lion King. Although Hans Zimmer composed the film’s score, John wrote several iconic tracks, including “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Hakuna Matata.” Initially, Disney was skeptical about John’s availability, but a phone call from Rice changed everything. John described the experience as transformative, stating, “That one phone call… changed my life and my career.”
Elton John, ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’
Fall Out Boy
In 2014, Fall Out Boy contributed their original song “Immortals” to the soundtrack of Big Hero 6. The band had been approached for film soundtracks before, but this was their first successful collaboration. Bassist Pete Wentz shared insights about the creative process, emphasizing how their song became part of a larger narrative, making the experience both unique and rewarding.
Fall Out Boy, ‘Immortals’
Phil Collins
Phil Collins’ work on the Tarzan (1999) soundtrack is legendary, earning him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award. He didn’t stop there; Collins also scored the music for Brother Bear (2003), collaborating with Mark Mancina. Reflecting on his scoring experience, Collins mentioned the challenge it presented and how it pushed him creatively.
Phil Collins, ‘On My Way’
Sting
Sting’s association with Disney began when he was initially approached to work on a film titled Kingdom of the Sun. Although that project was eventually scrapped, he later contributed to the soundtrack of The Emperor’s New Groove (2000). Despite initial reservations about the film’s subject, Sting embraced the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, ultimately crafting the song “My Funny Friend and Me.”
Sting, ‘My Funny Friend and Me’
Billy Joel
Billy Joel lent his voice to the character Dodger in Oliver & Company (1988) and performed the catchy song “Why Should I Worry?” While he was asked to write a new song for the film, he opted to focus on his album and instead performed the existing track. Joel’s performance, complete with a piano cameo, showcased his unique style and charm.
Billy Joel, ‘Why Should I Worry?’
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato recorded a version of “Let It Go” for the 2013 hit film Frozen, although Idina Menzel’s rendition was the one featured in the movie. Selected for her exceptional vocal talent, Lovato’s involvement exemplified the Disney tradition of collaborating with standout artists to create memorable music.
Demi Lovato, ‘Let It Go’
Joseph Williams
Joseph Williams, the lead singer of Toto, recorded demos for Disney’s Aladdin in the mid-’90s. While his vocals weren’t used in the final film, he eventually sang “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and contributed to “Hakuna Matata” in The Lion King. His journey highlights the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed in animated features.
The Lion King, ‘Hakuna Matata’
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, known for her role as Hannah Montana, also recorded “I Thought I Lost You” with John Travolta for the 2008 film Bolt. The song was crafted specifically for their characters, showcasing Cyrus’s songwriting skills and her ability to connect with Disney audiences.
Miley Cyrus + John Travolta, ‘I Thought I Lost You’
Conclusion
The collaboration between rock artists and Disney has produced some truly unforgettable music that resonates with fans of all ages. From Elton John’s iconic contributions to the emotional depth of Phil Collins’ scores, these artists have enhanced the storytelling of Disney films through their music. As you revisit these animated classics, take a moment to appreciate the rock legends behind the soundtracks.
FAQs
1. Which rock artists have worked on Disney soundtracks?
Notable rock artists include Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Phil Collins, Sting, Billy Joel, Demi Lovato, Joseph Williams, and Miley Cyrus.
2. What songs did Elton John write for The Lion King?
Elton John wrote several songs for The Lion King, including “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Hakuna Matata.”
3. Did Phil Collins win any awards for his work on Disney films?
Yes, Phil Collins won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy for his work on the Tarzan soundtrack.
4. What was the collaboration process like for Fall Out Boy on Big Hero 6?
Fall Out Boy worked closely with the film’s directors to ensure their song “Immortals” fit seamlessly into the film’s narrative, involving a back-and-forth process before finalizing the song.
5. How did Miley Cyrus get involved with the movie Bolt?
Miley Cyrus was asked to write and perform “I Thought I Lost You” for Bolt, collaborating with John Travolta, who voiced a character in the film.
