You might not realize it, but Jason Paige is probably one of your favorite singers behind a song you’ve often sung yourself hundreds of times. He’s done some music for video games, the upcoming Seth Rogen movie Sausage Party, and has even provided back-up vocals for Michael Jackson, but easily his most famous work is his vocals for the original U.S. version of the Pokémon anime TV series.
In light of the franchise’s Pokémon Go-led resurgence in popularity, Paige decided to take to the studio to turn in a new performance of the iconic theme song, and despite the passage of 18 years between now and his first time recording the song, he sounds virtually identical now to what he did in 1998. Above is him performing the TV version of the song, and below is his performance of the full track (via HypeBeast).
The Pokémon theme song is one most of us never thought to put a face to, but Paige is still a legend in our hearts. Unfortunately, when he recorded the track originally, he was given a one-time payment, meaning that he’s not earning any royalties as a result of the 400 perfect increase in plays the song has received on Spotify.
That doesn’t mean Paige can’t capitalize on his newfound prominence, though: Those in the Los Angeles area tonight have the opportunity to see him in concert, performing, among other songs, his most famous work, and he also promises some sort of “Poké-surprise.” We don’t expect his policy on playing Pokémon Go at his shows to be like Rihanna’s.
Image: Jason Paige
