2006 Disney Legends Ceremony
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For the final induction, Roy Disney brought back Disney Studio President Bob Iger. Iger confided that a pact had been made backstage: they weren’t going to kill another dog!

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Sir Elton John: Music

Video: Bob Iger and Elton John
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Last but not least, Bob Iger introduced honoree Sir Elton John. The career of the well known pop super star spans three decades. His score for The Lion King, written with lyricist Tim Rice, made the animated feature Disney’s biggest release at that time. It earned Sir Elton an Academy Award for Can You Feel the Love Tonight, as well as two other nominations. In 1997 The Lion King went to Broadway, where it earned six Tony awards, including Best Musical, as well as a 1998 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. Sir Elton went on to create Aida, Billy Elliot and Lestat for the stage. Iger wound up his introduction saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a privilege to present a new Disney Legend, Sir Elton John.�?

Enthusiastic applause filled the air as Can You Feel the Love Tonight played. Sir Elton, accompanied by Mickey Mouse, made his way to the lectern. “Congratulations to all the other illustrious people who are inducted into this hall of fame,�? he began. He recognized many from his childhood, saying, “When you grow up in England in the early 1950s, everything American was magical to you; the music, the cinema, and especially Walt Disney animation.�? He said he considered writing the score for The Lion King a tremendous piece of luck. “It changed my life,�? he said, joking, “I had a pretty good career up to then.�? As laughter subsided, he spoke of working with the Disney team, how he always was a team player, and how gratifying it was to work on something so successful.

The invitation to work on Broadway opened a new door, he continued. He considered his ongoing relationship with Disney very special. “I feel very proud… to have that relationship with a company as great as Disney that has done so much incredible quality work,�? he said. He noted his pleasure at seeing Roy Disney there that day, saying, “I never knew Walt Disney, but I thank him from the bottom of my heart for letting me join in amongst the festivities during my career.�?

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At the conclusion of the awards, Bob Iger again took the stage and asked all the new Disney Legends to stand. Surveying the group, he concluded, “The true meaning of Disney is our people.�?

Video: Elton John Answers Questions
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“Legendary You�? is sung
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