by Nikki Carpenter

In May 2024, Disney celebrated 30 years of The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl. Vocalists who performed the original songs from the 1992 cult classic film, were invited to perform a few select songs live on stage. Among the performers were Jason Weaver, who was 13-years-old when he sang lead vocals on “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”. 30 years later, Weaver still sits on the throne with consistent royalties from Disney, a recurring role in Showtime’s tv series “The CHI”, and serving as this year’s Bud Billiken Parade Grand Marshal.

Weaver doesn’t simply play a Chicagoan on TV. He is a true Chicagoan, through and through. His Instagram bio reads: “Just a kid from Chicago.” #FlyTheW #SeeRed Weaver’s posts pay homage to other Chicagoans such as Oprah Winfrey (pictured with a young Weaver), Harold Washington – the first Black mayor of Chicago, Corey Hardrict and more. It’s only right. It’s why President Barack Obama brought in talented Chicagoans to fill positions at the White House, after his historic presidential election in 2008. It’s why Kanye wouldn’t be Kanye, without creatively collaborating with Che “RhymeFest” Smith, Common or GLC. Chicagoans see other Chicagoans.

Weaver’s roots in entertainment run deep. His mom, Marilyn Haywood, along with her sisters formed the 70’s band ‘Kitty and the Haywoods’. The South side trio consisted of Marilyn “Kitty” Haywood (Weaver’s mother), Mary Ann Stewart, and the late Vivian Harrell. Cynthia Harrell (Vivian’s daughter) would later join the group. Kitty and the Haywoods worked with Minnie Riperton, Curtis Mayfield and more. Their big break came after they were tapped to sing background vocals on Aretha Franklin’s “Something He Can Feel”. Their soulful voices brought comfort to listeners and were selected for a plethora of jingles over the course of 25 years. True Chicagoans belted out the lyrics of “Be Like Mike” from a 1991 Gatorade commercial, starring Michael Jordan. However, few may know that the woman singing vocals is Cynthia Harrell.

Myself and my cousins, along with many members of our family, wouldn’t be in this business and wouldn’t be as successful as we are – had it not been for the foundation that my mother Kitty Haywood, my aunt Mary Anne, my late aunt Vivian and my cousin Cynthia Harrell, set up. They laid the groundwork for everything that my family and I are able to do now.

When Disney offered Weaver a $2 million check upfront for singing the vocals of Young Simba, it was Weaver’s mom Kitty Haywood who stepped in negotiating royalties instead. These days it seems like the roles are reversed with Weaver assisting Haywood with her latest music endeavor.

Back in the day my mother did a lot of work with Charles Stepney and the Rotary Connection, working with singers such as Minnie Riperton and more. There is a song Charles Stepney produced that she did guest lead vocals on. DJ Terry Hunter, who is a Grammy nominated DJ here in the city of Chicago, recently dug in the crates and was able to retrieve some of Charles Stepney’s work. He took a recording that he and my mother did years ago in the seventies and remixed it. He plans to put it out as a house record this year and people will be able to hear that song pretty soon. I’ve been helping her negotiate the terms with her agreement.

Weaver grew up on 71st Michigan in the Park Manor neighborhood and entered the entertainment business as a child, bringing the iconic role of a young Michael Jackson to life in the ABC television docuseries, “The Jacksons: An American Dream.” As fate would have it, Weaver landed a recurring role as Rashaad Marshall in “The CHI”, bringing him home to film in Chicago anywhere from 3-9 months in the year. When Weaver isn’t on set for The CHI, he’s visiting a variety of local establishments in the city. From watching a majestic boat sunset on Lake Michigan, to Lem’s BBQ on 75th, Weaver is sure to share his expenditures on social media.

“There are tons of new restaurants and different Black owned businesses that are thriving. So, you know, I try to make my way over there, especially as an adult, to support the area and keep the money circulating.

My view of the city is totally different from the narratives that a lot of national mainstream media try to construct – particularly about the Black community here. There’s so much rich history, and a strong sense of community. I always try to take opportunities to present my perspective of what Chicago is and what my experiences are.”

Although Weaver grew up attending the Bud Billiken, this will be his first time participating in the parade, solidifying 2024 being one of his best summers in Chicago.

Honestly, I have to admit this summer may possibly be the best summertime Chi experience I’ve had in my life so far. First, I got to throw out the “First Pitch” at Wrigley for the Cubs on Juneteenth. Second, I got a chance to appear on WGN, and NOW I have the honor of serving as Grand Marshal for the 95th Bud Billiken parade this year and represent on behalf of my family, which is a Southside family. Respectfully, I can’t thank the people of my hometown enough for making me feel so loved and appreciated while I’m here working in the city. I LOVE Y’ALL, CHICAGO!

We love you too, Jason!