CH 20

Energetic and playful music resonated from the fingertips of the little girl, and with Angela's radiant smile and the rhythm's ebbs and flows, a vibrant feeling filled the air.

"So no one told you life was gonna be this way..." When Angela sang the first line, Jessica raised a small wooden clapboard she somehow managed to get hold of and playfully tapped it in all directions.

"Your job's a joke, you're broke, you're love life's DOA. It's like you're always stuck in second gear. Well, it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year." The little girl continued to sing cheerfully, and before starting the next line, she winked at Jessica and sang, "But I'll be there for you!"

Jessica, who had been strumming the acoustic guitar all along, immediately joined in with a cheerful smile and said, "When the rain starts to pour!"

Before she could finish, Angela followed with another line, "I'll be there for you!"

Jessica continued, "Like I've been there before!"

When the little girl sang for the third time, "I'll be there for you!"

But when it came to the origins of these two songs, there were differing opinions among Disney executives. Although the handwriting was indeed Angela's, in addition to her own annotations below the two songs, such as her note under "Circle of Life" that said: "It should start with a cry in an African style, as the sun rises and all things begin to come alive. Life may go through cycles, and everything has its ups and downs, but life always continues." If the music and visuals align perfectly, everyone will be able to envision a vibrant African savannah. With a sweet yet powerful female voice leading the main part of the song, it will create a striking contrast and captivate the audience.

However, most people were skeptical. Evelyn Conde, the head of the animation department, expressed her doubts. "I find it hard to believe, gentlemen. She's just a child, an 11-year-old who has never been to Africa. What we see on television about Africa is one thing, but the reality is another. I don't know if she has received formal music training, but even if she did, it would be extremely difficult for her to compose two different styles of music like this."

Despite the skepticism, the songs aligned so perfectly with the animated film that they had to acquire them. Therefore, CEO Eisner made the decision to have someone make polite and proper contact with the little girl. 

If she was indeed the author, they would proceed with acquiring the songs and then sort out the details. If she was not the author, they needed to find out who the actual author was. Naturally, George Wells, who had recently returned to Los Angeles as the production manager of "The Parent Trap" was the perfect choice for this task.

Although the little girl's vocal technique might have room for improvement, her singing displayed no trace of immaturity. Moreover, she effortlessly handled various styles of songs. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to create three songs of such distinct styles. 

George had complete confidence in Angela's ability to write lyrics and compose music. If the record company wanted to establish itself in the music industry, signing a record contract with Angela would be the best choice. Those with foresight would undoubtedly agree.

It wasn't surprising that George's thoughts jumped so far ahead. Just consider who his uncle was, and the immense pressure he faced would become clear—Frank Wells, the current President and COO of Disney, and a close friend of the Chairman and CEO, Michael Eisner!

For George, he absolutely did not want anyone to doubt his professional abilities because of his familial connection to the president. So hardly anyone at Disney knew about his relationship with the president, including his good friend Matthew. At the same time, he was eager to make significant achievements in his career to prove to everyone that he could succeed without relying on his uncle's help. 

That's why Eisner consistently emphasized the importance of patience to George, and that's why he valued the little girl so much.