‘It's The Circle of Life’ for Philip Lawrence

 California's own, Philip Lawrence is a former cast member who wrote and performed his original song, "You Are the Magic" for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

On Oct. 1, 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort opened to the public. Five decades later, the theme park held an 18-month celebration for its 50th anniversary. Grammy-winning artist Philip Lawrence composed a brand new song for the occasion. Along with Lawrence, singer-songwriter Kayla Alvarez performed the song for the resort's nighttime experience “Disney Enchantment.”

Lawrence's musical journey began long before his work with Disney. Growing up in Evansville, Indiana, music always had a strong influence on his life. Along with his brother and sister, Philip first performed on stage around the age of five. “ When you're on stage at five, it's kind of telegraphing where your future is going,” Lawrence said.

After high school, Lawrence studied at Tennessee State University for about a year. He recalled how music continued to inspire him in college. “All I did [in college] was sing, form groups, and write songs,” he said.

His path changed when he followed his brother to Florida and discovered Disney World was hiring. Lawrence, 19 at the time, flew to Chicago to audition and landed two jobs with Disney. He hosted interviews with guest celebrities, and performed for shows like “Tarzan Rocks” and "Festival of the Lion King.” Lawrence said, “Being a cast member, I always call it my college years.”

Disney was Lawrence’s chance to find what he described as his individuality as an artist. He often faced internal conflict, asking himself questions like, “Can I do it? Who am I without people on stage with me?”

Gradually, he found confidence as Disney hired him for more work. In a breakroom where the Lion King cast would vocally warm-up, Lawrence spent his time on a keyboard. There, he familiarized himself with the piano’s elements. “That was where the seed was planted for me to become a songwriter. Disney is where it all started for me,” said Lawrence.

Over the years, he grew determined to take his craft seriously. He moved to Los Angeles, where he met Bruno Mars, a fellow then-struggling musician. The collaboration launched Lawrence into fame. He wrote and produced music for himself and well-known artists like Adele, Alicia Keys, and Kendrick Lamar. His work received 18 Grammy nominations and won seven awards including “Album of the Year.”

Lawrence is all too familiar with topping charts, platinum records, and world tours. Through it all, the successful performer still remembers Disney’s impact on him as a young man. Over 20 years have passed since Disney hired Lawrence as a wide-eyed dreamer with little to his name. He described his return to Disney World as “a cathartic experience.”

For the Disney resort’s 50th anniversary, he wrote the personal anthem “You Are the Magic.” “So many dormant emotions and feelings sprung to life,” Lawrence said when describing the song. “The idea of writing something that was connected to a part of my life, [the song] just flowed out effortlessly.”

With his new ballad for the 50th anniversary celebration, Lawrence aspired to remain true to Walt Disney’s message of finding magic in all things.

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