Mitch Margo Obituary (1947 - 2017) - Chicago, IL - Chicago Sun-Times

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Mitch Margo

1947 - 2017

BORN

1947

DIED

2017

Mitch Margo Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mitch Margo, a member of the group behind the hit song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" in the early 1960s, has died at his California home. He was 70.

His family said Margo died Nov. 24 in Studio City but did not specify the cause.

He was an original member of the Tokens, the singing group that based their hit on a recording of a Zulu folk song.

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Margo was a high school student in Brooklyn when the Tokens formed and recorded the song. During his career, he also played piano, guitar, bass, drums and percussion, and worked as a producer.

His survivors include his sons, Damien and Ari; a brother, Phil; and a sister, Maxine, as well as nephews and a niece.

His death was reported by the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.




Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Mitch Margo

Not sure what to say?





73 Entries

One of many songs that helped me grow up in the sixties. A light has gone out in my life. I'm deeply saddened.

Lou Mancusi

September 27, 2018

I remember Mitch back in 1963,1964 when he lived on ocean parkway across from Lincoln H.S. We hung out with the same crowd. Followed his music and many talents he had. He will be missed.

Mike Fisher

August 5, 2018

I'm a big fan of the Tokens and Mitch was my favorite member I was very shocked when I read that he passed away to his family I'm so sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed

Cheryl Weezorak

April 5, 2018

One of my favorites. RIP

Ed Given

January 11, 2018

God be with you all. Mitch was a beautiful talent who will be sorely missed the world over. He left an indelible mark on this world that will be loved and remembered forever. I still can't believe he is gone. Love you all.

Laurie Krommendijk

January 3, 2018

My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the Margo family. May Almighty God grant solace during this most challenging time. Mitch was truly an extraordinary talented and accomplished man of integrity. Mitch will be truly missed. With Love & Prayers ~ A Caring Neighbor

December 22, 2017

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a favorite song of mine since I was a kid and it makes me smile every time I hear it and sing with it. Thank you for that. What interesting and good times you must have had making music. My condolences to your family and friends, and thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.

Liz

December 10, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. May you rely on family, friends, and God for strength and support during this difficult time.
-Proverbs 17:17

LG

December 9, 2017

Sorry for your loss. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

December 9, 2017

Memories... Beautiful

December 8, 2017

To The Family Of Mitch Margo
My deepest sympathy to the family during this time of such great sorrow. My hope is that you find comfort in knowing that Almighty God is near to those crushed in spirit and that he cares for you.

R. C.

December 8, 2017

Much comfort is needed in time of grief and may these wonderful words of comfort from 1Corenthians 15:26 help. My heartfelt condolences to all

C E

December 7, 2017

My condolences to the family. May God grant you peace during this difficult time Phillippians 4:6,7.

December 7, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Margo Family. May the peace from God that surpasses all understanding guard your minds and hearts. Phillipians 4:7

L

December 6, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss, May the family find strength and peace during this difficult time from Almighty God .
Porter

December 6, 2017

RIP!!!! I have always loved your music.

May God grant your family peace, comfort, and strength when they need it most.

God bless each of you.

Cheryl Landin

December 6, 2017

Our condolences to the family for your loss. May God be with you at this difficult time. (Psalm 147:3)

December 6, 2017

My heartfelt sympathy to the family on the passing of your love one please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Cy

December 6, 2017

May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.

December 6, 2017

To the Margo family, may the God of all comfort sustain you at this time of such great loss.

December 6, 2017

... So many of the great Rock & Roll singers of the 50's and 60's are leaving us now. "Tonight I Fell in Love" is one of my favorite oldie songs.

Wayne Taylor

December 6, 2017

One of my daughter's favorite bed time songs The Lion sleep Tonight
Had a calming effect on her and I must say it calmed me also
May the hearer of our prayers give family and friends the comfort needed during this time
My prayers are with you

A

December 6, 2017

God Bless you Mitch!
We were constantly singing The Lion Sleeps Tonight song while in the lunch line at my Catholic School in Torrington Connecticut with my best friends Mark Perotti and Bill Gilbert. I remember those times like it was yesterday!
Rest now, life's work well done!

William Dranginis

December 5, 2017

Rip also tonight I fell in love 2 wonderful songs will be missed

John Nieminski

December 5, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the family. May the God of comfort grant you strength during this difficult time.

December 5, 2017

Thank you for Sharing your musical gift with the world....

Steve Lowe

December 5, 2017

When I heard the lions sleep tonight I don't was speaking your language , I was a kid in Mexico, but I touched your spirit with my lttle and this song it's for my wife the phone ring tone without to nkow you was gping to leave us sleeping. The Lions weak up tonight for to follow you forever. God bless you forever.

Ignacio aroma

December 5, 2017

MY deepest condolences to this family!! Wonderful memories listening to him and the Tokens!! This song cannot be replicated by anyone!! Such a unique voice and great talent!! We look forward to joining him and others who have gone ahead into the place Jesus called paradise!! May our Heavenly Father comfort you as only He can and my thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Dea Clawson

December 4, 2017

The main songwriter for one of the best doo wop groups ever. Mitch was very talented.

Dave.

December 4, 2017

Did a few shows with Mitch back in the day, Connecticut loved Mitch and The Tokens, RIP Mitch, God's speed on a clef note!

Jim

December 4, 2017

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

December 4, 2017

I have always love the song The lion sleep tonite.

Steven Hayes

December 4, 2017

Joan Walton

December 4, 2017

What a voice! I hung in a gang with about thirty other guys, and every one of us tried to sing this song over and over, and failed every time, but it was fun trying. We played the 45 until it was worn out, and then purchased another and did it all over. The Tokens were great, and his voice was one of a kind. I'll be listening for him from the cosmos for the rest of my life, and on my journey through eternity when I follow him. God bless him, and thanks to God for giving him to us. What a gift he was.

Bill Lawlor

Friend

December 4, 2017

May your loving hopes and fondness for your loved one be blessed, My sincere condolence. for your loss.

December 4, 2017

When I'm feelig down, I play his songs, specially The Lion Sleeps Tonight, which gives me strength to recover and go on! This song has the power to make my day brighter until this day!
Rest in Peace Mitch
Condolences to the family.

Clairton Nascimento

December 4, 2017

My sincere condolences to Mitch son and relatives and friends.Mitch had touched and inspired many during his life time.

December 4, 2017

So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

Mary

December 4, 2017

So sorry for the loss of another talented artist. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" has always been a favorite of mine. Condolences to his family.

Yvonne

December 4, 2017

Dear margo family, I'm sorry for your loss. I remember the song that mitch was well known for. I look for comfort in my friends, family and most importantly the scriptures. ( 2thessalonians2 : 16,17) sincerely linda

December 4, 2017

Truly saddened to hear about Mitch Margo. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43

December 4, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family at this very difficult time

December 4, 2017

December 4, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 4, 2017

My condolences to Damien, Ari, Phil and Maxine for the loss of your dear father, brother, as well as uncle and dear friend ~ Mitch Margo. I loved the song "Lion Sleeps At Night" when I was a youngster. May the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you (John 6:40) ~ Linda, Queens, NY

December 4, 2017

Deepest condolences to the family and friends. May cherished memories and prayers bring solace to you.

Marie

December 4, 2017

Rest in peace Mitch. Your wonderful voice and your recording, of "THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT" will be long remembered. That is a great song! My condolences to your family.

susan powell

December 4, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the Margo family. The song The Lion Sleeps Tonight is one of my earliest memories from my childhood. Always on my father's AM radio.

Phyllis Bauer

December 4, 2017

To the family of Mitch Margo: So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one. May you draw comfort from knowing that many are offering prayers for your strength and endurance.

December 4, 2017

CC

December 4, 2017

As a former DJ... One of my 50's favorites - a sound that can't be duplicated. Thanks Mitch

Jeremy "JuJu" Uzelac

December 4, 2017

Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends .May God grant you strength, as you reflect on His promise to do away with sickness and death forever. (Isaiah 33;24 & 25:8). We all are looking forward to a time when death will be SWALLOWED up forever. He was such a talented musician.

Ezeko & Rossy

December 4, 2017

God bless,We are sadden of Mr.Margo's passing. We pray for his family,friends & fans. You and your group were sharp and sang really great.God's speed ! Terry & Pamela

Terry Raffield

December 3, 2017

I loved those old doo-op songs. I remembered when his group played at the Akron Civic theatre in Ohio . It was my birthday. My sympathy goes out to his family.

Joan

December 3, 2017

RIP Mitch,I hope you are those wonderful songs the Tokens are famous for when I get to heaven. Good bless you.

Ted Crier

December 3, 2017

It is with heartfelt sympathy to the family in the loss of their beloved Mitch. May our Heavenly Father comfort you and all whose lives he touched with his music! 2 Cor.1:2-5. Agape' Love.

December 3, 2017

RIP

December 3, 2017

Thanks for the memories, Mitch Margo. Rest in Peace

Kathryn Irby

December 3, 2017

My deepest condolences for your loss. Life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26

christian

December 3, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the Margo family in the passing of Mitch,I grew up loving that song, A Lion Sleeps tonight, may Almighty God comfort the family during this terrible time.

c k

December 3, 2017

The Family,

My sincere condolence for the loss of your loved one. May the god of all comfort be with your family and strengthen you.

carolyn

December 3, 2017

Freddie Rhett

December 3, 2017

Please except my condolences of the lost of Mitch Margo.
He was a wonder person as well a a great singer, he all b deeply missed.
May the God of comfort spoken of at Psalm 83:18 bring you the peace of mind and spirit needed at this time.

Pam

Pamela

December 3, 2017

Such a great tribute to a talented singer. May you have comfort from dear family and friends. The 'God of all comfort' will help you through.

December 3, 2017

c r

December 3, 2017

Rest in Peace

Scott Chamberland

December 3, 2017

So many memories. He was as beautiful as his voice

December 3, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Margo family and friends at this difficult time.

Carlotta

December 3, 2017

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.

December 3, 2017

Godspeed Mitch, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us and one of the anthems of my youth....

Harry Simpson

December 3, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the Margo family. May the God of comfort be with you at this difficult time.

M B

December 3, 2017

Jean C

December 3, 2017

My condolences to the family.

Lea Brown

December 3, 2017

Showing 1 - 73 of 73 results

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