In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)

From the Disney movie

Jungle Book

Music by Richard M. Sherman , Lyrics by Robert B. Sherman

"I Wanna Be Like You (The Monkey Song)" is a song sung by King Louie, Baloo and Mowgli from Walt Disney's 1967 film, The Jungle Book. The song was sung by Louis Prima and written by songwriters Robert and Richard Sherman.

The lyrics tell about King Louie's wish to be a man and know how to make fire, possibly knowing that, with fire, the apes would rule the Jungle because all animals fear it including Shere Khan. It was included in Disney Sing Along Songs: The Bare Necessities, Let's Go to the Circus, Disney Sing Along Songs: Collection of All Time Favorites: The Magic Years, and Disney Sing Along Songs: Flik's Musical Adventure at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Richard Sherman said he and his brother aimed for a jazz sound, with a Dixieland-like melody. The instrumentals were originally recorded by Prima - who also played the trumpet - and his band, Sam Butera & The Witnesses, but the music was replaced by one written by the film's composer, George Bruns, and orchestrated by Walter Sheets. The "scat dialogue" between Baloo and King Louie was the result of two recording sessions. Louis Prima recorded first, with the intent that Baloo - played in his recording by Butera - would simply repeat what Louie scatted, but Phil Harris decided not to imitate Prima's recording and made up his own. The song was released the same date as the motion picture itself.

Release Date: 1967

Various Arrangers : The Songs of Disney

Disney certainly knows how to create a great tune and here are some of their very best. The breathtaking Elton John ballad "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King in a sonorous setting for a cappella ensembles. The entertaining novelty song "I Wan'na Be Like You " from Walt Disney Pictures' The Jungle Book, originally sung by Louis Prima) has been arranged by the King's Singers' Philip Lawson for a cappella ensembles. Challenging, but worth it - it's a perfect encore! From The Little Mermaid, "Kiss The Girl" is available in a fantastic a cappella arrangement. Fun Latin rhythms and a variety of vocal inflections make this a great change of pace for any concert! The theme song from the Disney animated classic "Alice in Wonderland" simply sparkles in a warm a cappella arrangement. Nominated for a Best Score Academy Award, this music is timeless. Here's the showstopper "Under The Sea " from The Little Mermaid in a dynamite a cappella rendition by the incomparable Kirby Shaw. Great Caribbean change of pace! Available for the first time in a mixed and men's a cappella setting, the Disney classic "Candle on the Water" will once again enchant your audience. Beautiful harmonies gently accompany the easily sung melody. Special!

Songlist: Kiss The Girl, Can You Feel the Love Tonight?, Alice in Wonderland, I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song), Under The Sea, Candle on the Water

Individual Folios

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Philip Lawson : I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)

This entertaining novelty song from Walt Disney Pictures' The Jungle Book has been arranged by the King's Singers' Philip Lawson for a cappella ensembles. Challenging, but worth it - it's a perfect encore!

Arranger: Philip Lawson | Composer: Richard M. Sherman | Lyricist: Robert B. Sherman | Musical: Jungle Book