When You Wish Upon a Star is a classic song that has captured the hearts of audiences for generations. It was first introduced in the Disney animated film, Pinocchio, which was released in 1940. The song has become synonymous with Disney and has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
Who Sang When You Wish Upon a Star?
The original version of the song was performed by Cliff Edwards, who voiced the character Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio. Edwards was an American singer and actor who was known for his ukulele playing and falsetto singing voice. He had a successful career as a recording artist and appeared in numerous films throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Fun fact: Edwards’ version of When You Wish Upon a Star was awarded the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1940.
Cover Versions
Over the years, many artists have recorded their own versions of When You Wish Upon a Star. Here are some notable cover versions:
- Louis Armstrong: The legendary jazz musician recorded his version of the song in 1968.
- Judy Collins: The folk singer included her rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star on her 1992 album Baby’s Bedtime.
- Billy Joel: The singer-songwriter covered the song on his 1993 album Greatest Hits Volume III.
- Nsync: The boy band recorded their own version of When You Wish Upon a Star for the Disneymania album series in 2002.
Uses in Pop Culture
When You Wish Upon a Star has been used extensively in pop culture over the years. Here are a few examples:
- Disney films: The song has been featured in numerous Disney films, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and The Lion King.
- TV shows: When You Wish Upon a Star has been used in episodes of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Supernatural, among others.
- Commercials: The song has been used in commercials for companies such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Toyota.
In Conclusion
When You Wish Upon a Star is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of people around the world. From its origins in Pinocchio to its widespread use in pop culture today, the song has become an enduring symbol of hope and dreams. Whether you prefer the original version by Cliff Edwards or one of the many cover versions that have been recorded over the years, there’s no denying the power of this iconic tune.
