'The Lion King' singer Jason Weaver celebrates huge milestone

Nearly 30 years after its release, 'The Lion King' movie remains a favourite in many homes around the world.  

Songs from the animated film's soundtrack have also stood the test of time, and no one is more grateful than singer Jason Weaver.

While actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas voiced young Simba, Jason - who was a teenager at the time - was the character's singing voice. 

He sang 'I Just Can't Wait to Be King' for the movie. 

ALSO READ: John Kani and Lebo M talk new 'Lion King' movie with Stacey

The track, which also featured the supporting vocals of Rowan Atkinson (Zazu) and Laura Williams (young Nala), was written by Elton John and Tim Rice.

Jason revealed on Instagram that the song has officially been certified double platinum. 

"I definitely would like to take a moment this morning to thank my heavenly father and Lord/Savior Jesus Christ for continuing to bless me and my family. 30 years later and the platinum plaques from this iconic animated film keep comin' in. Wow," he wrote on Instagram.

Jason also thanked Elton and Tim "for giving a kid from Chicago a shot to be a part of cinematic history".

Elton selected Jason for the part after seeing him in 'The Jacksons: An American Dream' miniseries. 

Disney reportedly offered the teen a $2-million upfront payment to sing in the movie but his mother, Marilyn 'Kitty' Haywood, negotiated $100,000 and lifetime royalties. 

Back in 1994, $2-million would have been a lot of money, but Marilyn was thinking long-term. The decision paid off because Jason continues to earn residual income from the song.

ALSO READ: 'The Walking Dead' introduces "very South African" character

He revealed in a 2019 interview with VladTV that his mother - who is also a professional singer - knew that Disney was famous for re-releasing their old catalogues, which meant more royalties. 

"'So she was able to see the playing field and go, 'Wait a minute, this is going to make a lot of money over time, so what happens when my son turns 40? Is he still going to be able to get a check for this when they eventually re-release this?' And sure enough, she was absolutely right," he said. 

Disney would go on to release a new version of 'The Lion King' in 2019 starring Beyoncé

https://www.ecr.co.za/music/music-blog/listen-beyonc%C3%A9s-lion-king-gift-album/

Jason is thankful for his mother's smart decision. 

"I want to thank my mother @marilynhaywood16 for EVERYTHING she’s done to help steer me in the right direction throughout the course of my life, as well as throughout my career. I share all of these accomplishments with her, because I wouldn’t have been able to achieve ANY of it had it not been for the hard work she put in, and the sacrifices that she made so that I could live out my dream. I LOVE YOU, MA!! THANK YOU!! We’re double platinum 30 years later, mane!" he wrote on Instagram. 

ALSO READ:  A-list stars support Beyoncé at 'Renaissance' concert film premiere