Jodie Benson, Alan Menken, Pat Carroll and Sherie Rene Scott in 2011 – Photograph: Scott Brinegar/Disney Parks by way of Getty Photographs
Who knew {that a} squid may create such a villainous and memorable track? In 1989, Disney launched the animated movie The Little Mermaid and, with it, one of the vital iconic Disney villain songs of all-time: “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” It was the theme track for the character of Ursula, which was voiced by actress Pat Carroll.
The street to “Poor Unfortunate Souls” wasn’t simple. Disney animation creators Alan Menken and Howard Ashman initially penned a track entitled “Silence Is Golden” for the ocean witch. After listening again, nonetheless, they went again to the drafting board, added some lyrics, and emerged with “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
Take heed to The Little Mermaid soundtrack on Spotify or Apple Music now.
Carroll wasn’t the primary particular person to carry out the track. Playwright and songwriter extraordinaire Ashman recorded his tackle the track as Ursula to pitch to Carroll. (In case you’re curious as to what his model gave the impression of, you may hear Ashman’s model on The Music Behind the Magic CD.) As soon as Carroll formally signed onto the undertaking, she described the recording course of as “militant” and even blew out her vocal cords after performing it numerous occasions.
In accordance with a 2007 interview with Carroll, Ashman’s inflections and accent – singing “innit” as a substitute of “isn’t it” – made it into her model. “I’m honest enough to say that,” she stated. “I got the whole attitude from him … and his shoulders would twitch a certain way, and his eyes would go a certain way … I got more about that character from Howard singing that song than from anything else.”
In imagining the character, Carroll considered Ursula as an “ex-Shakespearean actress who now sold cars…. It’s the attitude … the voice was very Shakespearean: ‘Hello, my dear!’ ‘Oh, no, dahling’ … Very theatrical – but the pitch was a used car salesman. Very, very patently obvious. No subtlety there. She was being unctuous, and oily, and ever so wily … but you saw right through her. I’m surprised (that Ariel) didn’t,” she stated.
“Poor Unfortunate Souls” has spawned its very personal specialty drink on the Disney theme parks. (An ice cream float with raspberry tender serve and cherry coke.) Followers also can hear the track throughout quite a few fireworks shows. An animatronic Ursula performs the track at Walt Disney World’s “Under The Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid” attraction. The track even has its personal make-up, a highlighter from the Disney villain’s assortment.
Loads of artists have additionally put their very own spin on the burlesque-style tune over time. In 2019, Queen Latifah starred as the ocean witch herself in ABC’s The Little Mermaid Stay! musical. The hip-hop and jazz star was shocked by how difficult “Poor Unfortunate Souls” was. “It’s a serious song,” Queen Latifah advised Good Morning America on the time. “When I listen to it, you know – you think you know every Disney movie… or you think you know a song until you actually have to sing it and you’re like, oh my god.”
The track was additionally carried out by the Jonas Brothers in 2006 for the particular version soundtrack re-release and, once more in 2017, for the Disney Channel authentic film Descendants 2 by China Anne McClain. Certainly, it’s already clear that Ursula’s “Poor Unfortunate Souls” will stay on for generations. Not dangerous for a track from a Shakespearean used automobile salesman.
Take heed to The Little Mermaid soundtrack on Spotify or Apple Music now.
