Get ready for an enchanting musical journey through the bayou!
Grammy-winner PJ Morton and talented singer/actress Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana, teamed up to create a brand-new song for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The jazzy number is now streaming across all major platforms!
The release coincides with the second episode of Disney’s YouTube series We Call It Imagineering, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work Disney Imagineers are doing to shape the future of theme park experiences. This episode, available on YouTube, pulls back the musical curtain on the latest projects, highlighting the integral role of music and sound in bringing Disney magic to life. In addition to music for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney fans can also get a glimpse of folk singer Allison Russel’s rendition for the update of The Country Bears Jamboree.
As expressed in the episode, sound has been a pivotal element in crafting immersive experiences since the inception of Disney Parks. Music, in particular, adds depth and atmosphere, evoking emotions and making guests feel like they’re stepping into a story. In this spirit, Disney has infused Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with the vibrant sounds of New Orleans, a city known for its rich musical heritage.
In an interview with Because of Them We Can, PJ Morton expressed his excitement about the project: “It is beyond my wildest dreams. It’s like I always had a dream of working with Disney. Obviously, I always thought of [writing for] movies. That’s the natural thing to think of when you think of [writing music for] Disney. To be a part of [Tiana’s Bayou Adventure]…I don’t know if I have a word for it.” Morton also highlighted the significance of involving other New Orleans natives in the project. “It’s already an honor to be working with Disney,” he said, “but to have it right at the homefront is amazing.”
The episode also features the reveal of new queue songs produced by Grammy-winner Terence Blanchard. Adding to the authenticity and charm, Leah Chase, Jr., daughter of the legendary Leah Chase, who inspired the character of Tiana, will perform Louis Armstrong’s iconic song, “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?”
Be sure to check out the latest episode of We Call It Imagineering on YouTube for a deeper dive into the making of this musical masterpiece and stream the new song from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Cover photo: PJ Morton & Anika Noni Rose Release New Song for ‘Princess and the Frog’ Attraction / Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Variety