When You Wish Upon a Star - Pinocchio (Cliff Edwards) - MP3 instrumental karaoke

"When You Wish Upon a Star," the signature song from Disney's 1940 animated film Pinocchio, remains a timeless anthem of dreams and aspirations. Crafted by songwriters Leigh Harline and Ned Washington, the track is traditionally performed by the character Jiminy Cricket, voiced by Cliff Edwards. It won the 1940 Academy Award for Best Original Song, becoming the first Disney song to receive an Oscar. Upon its creation, the song was immediately identified as a highlight and chosen to play over the opening credits. The melodic theme recurs throughout the film, accentuating Pinocchio's yearning for transformation and the miracle of wishes coming true. The song's ethereal melody and hopeful lyrics transcend the boundaries of the film, earning it a place in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2009. Over the decades, several artists have offered their interpretations of the song. Glenn Miller's 1940 rendition hit Number 1 on Billboard's Record Buying Guide, marking the song's commercial success. More recently, Beyoncé's 2020 cover for The Disney Family Singalong reimagined the classic for a modern audience. "When You Wish Upon a Star" also holds a revered status within the Walt Disney Company, serving as an emblematic tune for the company's films since the 1980s.