Died On This Date (June 18, 2007) Hank Medress / The Tokens
themusicsover Hank Medress
November 19, 1938 – June 18, 2007
Hank Medress will always be remembered as the singer of American pop classic, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” but his contributions to popular music go much deeper. As a singer or producer, he’s worked directly with such artists as Neil Sedaka, the Chiffons, the Happenings and Tony Orlando. He was also instrumental in the creation of New York Dolls singer, David Johanson’s popular 80’s alter ego, Buster Poindexter. Medress died of lung cancer on June 18, 2007 at the age of 68.
What You Should Know
Barbara Lee was a member of the ’60s girl group, the Chiffons. Formed while the girls were still in high school in the Bronx, the Chiffons had a #1 hit out of the gate with 1963’s “He’s So Fine.” The group continued to have notable hits over the next decade or so. Of historical note, the Chiffons’ record “I Have A Boyfriend” was playing on KLF Radio in Dallas when interrupted with the first announcements of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Barbara Lee died of a heart attack on May 15, 1999, the day before her 45th birthday.