Mitch Margo
Mitchell Stuart Margo was an American singer and songwriter.
Career
Margo was a professional recording artist by the age of 14. Along with brother Phil Margo, he was a member of The Tokens. The vocal group is best known for its hit recording of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", which rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for three weeks in 1961. Other hits by The Tokens include: "Tonight I Fell In Love", "I hear Trumpets Blow", "He's In Town", and "Portrait of My Love".Margo also created artwork and animation. His artwork has been displayed and sold in galleries. His paintings have appeared on album covers and his animation has been shown on USA Network. He has illustrated children's books including the award winning "The Very First Adventure of Fulton T. Firefly". He also wrote and illustrated another children's book called "Sara Smiled".
With the tech help of his son Damien, Margo designed and developed a free online reading tool called the Margo Reader. He hoped to eventually see it in multilingual hand held devices that can be given to anyone who wishes to learn how to read. The reader provides the user with an experience of some of Margo's art, animation, music, photography, voice talent, humor, and heart.
Margo died of natural causes at his home in Studio City, California, at the age of 70.
The Tokens
Margo performed with The Tokens on the following TV shows:- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien
- The Tracey Ullman Show.
Record production
- The Chiffons
- The Happenings
- Tony Orlando & Dawn
Composing
- "The Kid With The Broken Halo" Starring Gary Coleman
- "The Fantastic World Of D.C. Collins" Starring Gary Coleman
- "This Wife For Hire" Starring Pam Dawber
- "John Grinns' Christmas" Starring Robert Guillaume
- "Goddess Of Love" Starring Vanna White
In 2010, Margo released his first solo album, "ABCDEFG" on Be Cool Records.