Tarzan: Changing the Sound of Disney

Tarzan: Changing the Sound of Disney

Bailey Barton

Released in 1999, Disney’s Tarzan was an instant sensation, due in large part to its musical score. Wanting to try something fresh, Disney hired Phil Collins, a well-known preforming artist, to compose and record all of the songs that were to appear in the film. This new take on Disney music would call for simply background music, as opposed to singing characters. Though a little risky, this new idea proved very successful and was welcomed into the world of Disney music.

Phil Collins seemed a perfect fit for creating a sound that Tarzan could call its own, as he thinks of his greatest passion in percussion. Indeed, the sounds of the jungle, as Collins was excited to explore, could have endless possibilities with drums. Also adding to the newness of creating this soundtrack, Disney was sure to pick someone that the public recognized as a celebrity. Phil Collins’ career was already on the rise when he started the Tarzan project, appearing on television in the late 90s on programs like the Late Show (1996).

By using a recognizable name, Disney was able to attract the interest of more people prior to the premier of the movie. To up the celebrity draw to the film, the very popular 90s boy band, ‘N Sync, was added to the soundtrack as they assisted in the making of the song, “Trashin’ the Camp.”

Making this fun song available only for buyers of the Tarzan soundtrack after the release of the movie, Disney was able to make immense amounts of money through customers eager to own the song (My family was guilty of this; we totally have the CD).

             Another twist on the musical aspects of Tarzan was that the characters themselves wouldn’t sing solos and ensembles as in almost all other Disney movies in the past, but Phil Collins was to sing in the background of scenes as we watch the main characters interact throughout the film. This received a very positive reaction from America. For example, a comment on the movie’s International Movie Database expressed, “I loved Phil Collins. And while it's great hearing Ariel sing, I think background music was better for this particular movie. I couldn't see Jane or Tarzan singing; it makes the whole thing almost unrealistic.” This video on best presents what it was like for Collins to try and create the mood he wanted in different parts of the film through music.

The success of Phil Collins’ songs was huge. In fact, one of his songs, “You’ll be in my Heart” won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for best original song. The song spent 19 weeks at #1 on the Adult Contemporary music charts, and reached #21 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Adding to the firsts for Disney, Wikipedia states that, “Tarzan was the first Disney soundtrack to be recorded in multiple languages for different markets, by original singer Collins were English, Italian, German, Spanish and French versions.” Disney had successfully reached out into the world with its music.

 

The popularity of Disney’s Tarzan didn’t stop in the 90s. “In 1999, Disney's animated ‘Tarzan’ grossed $448 million worldwide. Warner Bros. and Jerry Weintraub have been developing a live-action "Tarzan" since 2003 and have negotiated with Guillermo del Toro and Stephen Sommers to direct at various points” (McNary). In 2006, Disney’s Tarzan appeared on Broadway. The production was later nominated for a Tony award for Best Lighting Design of a Musical. “Disney characters and stories have delighted audiences worldwide for nearly nine decades. As The Walt Disney Company has sought to reach new international markets in the twenty-first century, Disney’s live theatrical productions have served a unique and powerful ambassadorial function in which body and representation play vital roles” (Cerniglia). Clearly, the influence of Tarzan affected both American and International society through its new and inventive way of telling a story through music.

Works Cited:

Cerniglia, Ken, and Aubrey Lynch, II. "Embodying Animal, Racial, Theatrical, and Commercial Power in The Lion King." (n.d.): n. pag. Rpt. in Dance Research Journal. 1st ed. Vol. 43. N.p.: Cambridge UP, 2011. 3-9. Project MUSE. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.

McNary, Dave. "'Tarzan' Returns in 3D." Variety. N.p., 9 Aug. 2010. Web. 14 Nov. 2012