Musician. A native of Brooklyn, he was a member of the popular 1960s and 1970s singing group, The Tokens, who were known for their styles of doo wop, pop, and rhythm and blues music. They probably are best remembered for their 1961 hit single, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." This particular recording was based on the South African Zulu hit song, "Winoweh." The single eventually reached number seven on the R&B Charts and become there signature song. Together they were also instrumental in creating the B.T. Puppy Record Label. Besides being a noted songwriter (with some 30 Top 40 hits to his writing credits), Medress was also a successful record producer having helped to launch the careers of the Chiffons of "He's So Fine" fame in the 1960s, and Tony Orlando and Dawn in the 1970s. After the breakup of the Tokens in 1971, he continued working as a producer throughout the 1980s and into the 2000s. He has also worked with Buster Poindexter, Dave Appell, Melissa Manchester, and David Johansen of the New York Dolls. He died after a battle with lung cancer.
Musician. A native of Brooklyn, he was a member of the popular 1960s and 1970s singing group, The Tokens, who were known for their styles of doo wop, pop, and rhythm and blues music. They probably are best remembered for their 1961 hit single, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." This particular recording was based on the South African Zulu hit song, "Winoweh." The single eventually reached number seven on the R&B Charts and become there signature song. Together they were also instrumental in creating the B.T. Puppy Record Label. Besides being a noted songwriter (with some 30 Top 40 hits to his writing credits), Medress was also a successful record producer having helped to launch the careers of the Chiffons of "He's So Fine" fame in the 1960s, and Tony Orlando and Dawn in the 1970s. After the breakup of the Tokens in 1971, he continued working as a producer throughout the 1980s and into the 2000s. He has also worked with Buster Poindexter, Dave Appell, Melissa Manchester, and David Johansen of the New York Dolls. He died after a battle with lung cancer.
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
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