Top 20 Song Of The South facts

#2

How James got the part

As always, casting is condemned upon producer approval. 

Tons of actors wanted to play Uncle Remus, but Walt didn't approve any of them. 

James Baskett, believe it or not, was auditioning to be the butterfly. You know, the one who flies by and says 'hello Uncle Remus' right before the How Do You Do song. 

Walt loved James's acting so much, he had him try out for Uncle Remus.

And of course, he got the part. 

He played Uncle Remus, Brer Fox and the butterfly; so he still got the part he wanted anyway.

Those performances made James one of Walt's absolute favorite actors to work with.