Three Unexpected Rock Musicians Made Their Mark in Disney's Animated Repertoire
Quick Facts
- Billy Joel voiced Big Al in The Fox and the Hound (1986)
- Joseph Williams voiced Simba in The Lion King (1994)
- Phil Collins voiced Kerchak in Tarzan (1999) and wrote several soundtrack songs
3 Rockers You Forgot Voiced Characters in Animated Disney Movies
When we think of animated Disney movies, we often associate the voices of beloved characters with the talents of actors, comedians, and perhaps even musicians. However, it’s not uncommon for rock stars to lend their vocals to animated features, adding a unique touch to their on-screen counterparts. In this article, we’ll explore three rockers you might have forgotten voiced characters in animated Disney movies, shedding light on their contributions to the world of animation.
Billy Joel: The Piano Man’s Animated Adventure
Billy Joel, the legendary singer-songwriter behind hits like “Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl,” may not have the first album on your mind when thinking of Disney, but he did dip his toes into the world of animation. Joel lent his voice to the 1986 Disney movie “The Fox and the Hound.” In the film, he played the role of Big Al, a seasoned hound dog who becomes the owner of Copper, the titular fox. Joel’s distinctive voice added a touch of warmth and authority to the character, making Big Al a memorable addition to the cast. Joel’s involvement in the project might not have been as extensive as some other rock stars, but his contributions to the film’s soundtrack and his portrayal of Big Al remain notable.
Joseph Williams: The Voice Behind Simba’s Rightful Place
For many fans of The Lion King, the iconic “Hakuna Matata” scene is synonymous with Timon and Pumbaa’s wise-cracking antics. While Timon’s vocals were handled by Nathan Lane, Simba’s reprise, “The Morning Report,” featured none other than Joseph Williams, the lead vocalist of the rock band Toto. Williams’ powerful, soaring vocals brought gravity and emotion to the scene, making it a standout moment in the film. It’s a testament to Williams’ skill and range as a singer that his contribution to the soundtrack blended seamlessly with the rest of the score. Who knew that a rock singer would be responsible for one of the most memorable aspects of The Lion King’s soundtrack?
Phil Collins: The Drumming, Singing, and Acting Dynamo
Phil Collins, the renowned drummer and singer-songwriter of Genesis, is often associated with his work on Disney’s Tarzan. While his role as the voice of Kerchak, Tarzan’s adoptive gorilla father, might have been a natural fit, it’s his contributions to the film’s soundtrack that truly showcase his talent. Collins not only wrote and performed the film’s theme song, “You’ll Be in My Heart,” which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, but also performed several other tracks, including “Trashin’ the Camp” and “Two Worlds.” Collins’ involvement in the project was almost unprecedented, as he not only provided vocals but also sang and played drums for many of the film’s musical tracks. His versatility and passion for the project resulted in a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the film’s jungle adventure.
The intersection of rock music and animated Disney movies might seem unexpected, but it results in unique and memorable collaborations. Billy Joel, Joseph Williams, and Phil Collins all brought their talents to the world of animation, enriching the experiences of audiences around the world. Whether it’s the warmth of Big Al, the powerful vocals of Simba’s reprise, or the unstoppable energy of the Tarzan soundtrack, these contributions remind us that even the most unlikely of pairings can lead to something truly special.
Next time you’re watching your favorite Disney movie, take a moment to appreciate the rock stars who brought their talents to the world of animation. You never know when you might stumble upon a hidden gem, like Peter Gabriel’s involvement in The Little Prince (2015) or Huey Lewis’s contributions to Starchaser: The Legend of Orin (1985). The intersection of rock and Disney is full of surprises, and who knows? You might just discover a new favorite song or character, courtesy of a rock star’s voice.