Frances Langford became popular during World War II when she joined the U.S.O. tours to boost wartime spirits. Her version of “When You Wish Upon A Star” is a remake of the tune sung by the character Jiminy Cricket in the Disney film Pinocchio.
On this day, February 24th, in 1940, Frances Langford records her cover of “When You Wish Upon A Star” for Decca Records. Approximately eight years later, her tune became Walt Disney’s theme song for animated features and commercials. This Disney trademark has been remade by many popular bands such as N’SYNC and KISS, it peaked at #5 on the Billboard Record’s Buying Guide, and it’s played as a Christmas song in Japan, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
Frances Langford’s “When You Wish Upon A Star” was a success and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.