Hank Medress facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hank Medress
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Henry Medress |
| Born | November 19, 1938 Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Died | June 18, 2007 (aged 68) Manhattan, New York, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, record producer |
| Associated acts | The Tokens |
Henry "Hank" Medress (born November 19, 1938 – died June 18, 2007) was an American singer and record producer. He was most famous for being a member of the American band The Tokens.
Contents
The Life of Hank Medress
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Hank Medress was born in Brooklyn, New York City. He went to "Abraham Lincoln" High School there. In 1955, he joined a singing group called the Linc-Tones. This group sang a style of music called doo-wop, which features groups singing harmonies without many instruments. Famous singer Neil Sedaka was also in this group at first.
Success with The Tokens
After Neil Sedaka left, the group changed its name a few times. In 1958, they became known as The Tokens. The Tokens had a huge hit song in 1961 called "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". This song reached number one on the music charts. It was a new version of an older song from 1939 by a South African singer named Solomon Linda. Hank Medress and The Tokens also helped other groups. They produced hit songs for The Chiffons, like "He's So Fine".
Producing and Later Career
After leaving The Tokens, Hank Medress became a record producer. He helped create many hit songs for other artists. He worked with Tony Orlando and Dawn and Melissa Manchester. He also produced music for famous singers like Frankie Valli and Rick Springfield.
From 1990 to 1992, Medress was the president of EMI Music Publishing Canada. He produced the song "Never Thought (That I Could Love)" for Dan Hill in 1987. This song became a hit on the Billboard charts.
Later, Hank Medress became a partner in Bottom Line Records. This company released live recordings from a famous music club called The Bottom Line in Greenwich Village. They also released new music from rising artists. In his last years, Medress worked as a helper for SoundExchange. This group collects money for artists when their music is played on digital radio, like satellite or internet radio.
Passing Away
Hank Medress passed away from lung cancer at his home in Manhattan, New York on June 18, 2007. He was 68 years old.
