Disney has an incredible reputation for its captivating soundtracks, and you might be surprised to learn about some legendary rock musicians who lent their voices to iconic characters in Disney’s beloved animated films. The enchanting world of Disney animation began with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which premiered in 1937. Interestingly, this means that Disney’s cinematic universe predates the term “rock ‘n’ roll,” which was only popularized in the early 1950s. This fascinating connection between Disney and rock music showcases the evolution of both art forms over the decades.

If you’ve ever enjoyed The Jungle Book (1967), you might recall the vultures that Mowgli encounters, which were designed to resemble The Beatles. The idea was to have the iconic band voice these characters, but John Lennon reportedly declined the offer, and scheduling conflicts further complicated the collaboration, as mentioned in The Independent. While The Beatles didn’t contribute their talents to this film, their legacy is part of the broader relationship between rock music and Disney, influencing many films that followed. Keep reading to discover more rock legends who made their mark in Disney movies.

Experience the Charm of Billy Joel as Dodger in Disney’s ‘Oliver & Company’

Billy Joel, famously known as The Piano Man, took a delightful turn as Dodger, the charismatic street dog, in the 1988 animated classic Oliver & Company. With his signature New York accent, Joel brought the character to life, singing and playing the piano in the catchy tune “Why Should I Worry?”. His iconic style, complete with sunglasses, is humorously integrated into the film, making his character memorable and engaging for audiences. This role marked Joel’s debut in film, contributing to the limited number of film credits he holds.

Reflecting on the experience, Joel stated, “I got into the role, actually, because there were no cameras,” highlighting his comfort in the recording studio environment. He elaborated on how familiar settings helped him deliver the performance seamlessly. “As a matter of fact, a lot of the sessions were done in a studio that I’m used to working in. So I just walked in, and there was a microphone, and it was real comfortable,” Joel shared, illustrating the ease with which he embraced this new venture.

Listen to Billy Joel Perform ‘Why Should I Worry?’

Discover Joseph Williams’ Role as Adult Simba in ‘The Lion King’

In the beloved 1994 animated film The Lion King, Matthew Broderick brilliantly voiced the youthful Simba, while Joseph Williams, the lead vocalist of Toto during the late ’80s and again since 2010, provided his vocal talents for the adult Simba. Williams lent his voice to memorable songs such as “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” contributing to the film’s emotional depth and musical richness.

Interestingly, Williams was initially approached to audition for a singing role in Aladdin, but Disney ultimately chose a different singer. However, a year later, he received another opportunity for a project featuring music by Elton John. During this process, Williams recalled, “I went down to the studio and they literally had two lines for me to sing in that song.” He noted that he was impressed by Broderick’s performance, which sounded very much like his speaking voice, and remarked on how the soundtrack became a significant success. “And it just so happened that the album turned out to be a big hit. So, in a way, The Lion King record is probably the biggest hit I’ve ever had,” he explained, demonstrating the serendipity of his involvement.

While Williams wasn’t part of Toto when they released their iconic hit “Africa,” the coincidence of his connection to both the film and the band is delightful for fans.

‘The Lion King,’ ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’

Phil Collins: The Musical Genius Behind ‘Tarzan’

Phil Collins is renowned for producing and composing one of the greatest movie soundtracks ever created for Tarzan. His work on this film has garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and several Grammy Awards, showcasing his immense talent and impact on film music. The soundtrack’s success led to Collins being invited to create music for the 2003 animated feature Brother Bear, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.

Though Collins did not voice a character in either of these celebrated films, he did lend his voice to the character Lucky the vulture in The Jungle Book 2 (2003). His contributions to Disney’s musical legacy are undeniable, and the song “Strangers Like Me” from Tarzan exemplifies his creative brilliance; it continues to resonate with audiences today.

Phil Collins’ Inspiring Track: ‘Strangers Like Me’