Like many people all over the world, I am a sucker for a classic Disney movie. The characters, the story, the actors- they all have a way of lifting me out of my everyday ho-hum world and into some place completely different - a world with a blue fairy, where bluebirds can sing on my shoulder, and where I can jump into a scene from a sidewalk chalk drawing. The thing is - it's not just the people or animation that can take me to the place. Equally important are the songs that create the backdrop for the story.
Disney's Academy Award Winning History
It doesn't surprise me at all with Disney's team of professionals (and not to mention multi-million dollar box office profits), that songs featured on Disney soundtracks have regularly been nominated for an Oscar in Best Original Song. Since the Best Original Song category came up for grabs in 1934, a total of 11 songs walked away with the Oscar in hand. Of those 11, 3 songs came out of what you might now refer to as the "classic" Disney film period.
"When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio, 1940
It's no wonder this song about dreams and wishes has become Disney's theme song. Ned Washington wrote the lyrics to Leigh Harline's lullaby-like lyric. Disney has featured this melody countless times since to complement everything from movies, cruise experiences, and famous fireworks displays in Walt Disney World. The songs recognition goes beyond the Academy Awards. The American Film Institute acknowledged "When You Wish Upon a Star" in the number 7 spot on their list of 100 Greatest Songs in Film History, the highest rank of any Disney song.
"When You Wish Upon a Star" has been covered by countless artists and appears on several Disney soundtracks and compilations. If your ears are hankering to listen to it as sung by Cliff Edwards, the voice of Jimminy Cricket, I'd recommend the Magic of Disney Soundtrack (2009). This album has many Disney classics (both old and new classics) on one album.
"Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" from Song of the South, 1946
I can't listen to this song and not get a smile on my face to the up-beat tune. Written by the team of Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, James Baskett lent his voice (and his whistling abilities) to make this into a memorable song. If you have ever enjoyed the Splash Mountain ride at the Disney theme park, know that the ride was inspired by this cheerful ditty.
Because of fear that this film would offend the audience due to racial issues, Disney has never released the movie on DVD or VHS. However, the song appears on several soundtracks. Currently in print, is A Musical History of Disney (2005). This boxed set is the largest release in Walt Disney Records history.
"Chim-Chim-Cheree" from Mary Poppins, 1964
"Chim-Chim-Cheree" was the personal theme song of the lovable Bert in Mary Poppins. The lyrics, written by the Sherman Brothers, capitalized on the folklore that to shake the hand of a chimney sweep would bring you good luck. However, with a great song to work with and the vocal talents of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, no luck was needed, and this song clinched the Academy Award in 1964. This song is also featured on The Magic of Disney Soundtrack (2009).
After this hallmark song, it would take 25 years for another iconic Dinsey song to claim the Oscar. Since 1989, Disney has become a dominant fixture in the Best Original Song category, taking home the Oscar for several other films which include:
- "Under the Sea," The Little Mermaid, 1989
- "Beauty and the Beast," Beauty and the Beast, 1991
- "A Whole New World," Aladdin, 1992
- "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," The Lion King, 1994
- "Colors of the Wind," Pocahontas, 1995
- "You'll Be in My Heart", Tarzan, 1999
- "If I Didn't Have You", Monsters, Inc., 2001
- "We Belong Together, Toy Story 3, 2010
Although these 11 songs have climbed their way to Oscar recognition, several more have been nominated. However, I don't think that it's simply just about the Academy Award. Millions of people, just like me, have found happiness and personal connection to this memorable melodies and thoughtful lyrics.
Resources
Greatest Films, "Academy Awards: The Oscars". American Movie Classics LLC. September 4, 2010.
American Film Institute, "AFI's 100 YEARS...100 SONGS". American Film Institue. September 4, 2010
Jennifer White - Jennifer White has authored parenting books and has worked in childcare and education fields for over 15 years. She now focuses much of ...
