AI Brings Jimmy Stewart's Voice to the Calm App for Nighttime Stories

The legendary voice of Jimmy Stewart, renowned for classic films like 'It’s a Wonderful Life' and 'Rear Window,' has been revived through artificial intelligence technology, offering Calm app users a novel bedtime experience. This innovative feature, named 'It’s a Wonderful Sleep Story,' is presented as a heartwarming holiday narrative that promotes a soothing sleep.

A Hollywood Legend's Digital Resurrection

With approval from both the estate and family of Jimmy Stewart, the soothing story narration utilizes AI voice-cloning technology to reproduce the distinctive tone and warmth of Stewart’s voice. The actor, who passed away in 1997, continues to charm audiences with his posthumous performance: 'Well, hello. I’m James Stewart. But, well, you can call me Jimmy,' the voice begins in the Calm app, preparing listeners for a tale filled with love, hope, and joy.

Preserving a Legacy Through AI

In a heartfelt comment, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, one of Jimmy Stewart's daughters, expressed excitement over her father being the voice narrating Calm's latest Sleep Story, appreciating how his legacy is kept alive in modern times, particularly during the holiday season to help people attain restful sleep. Furthermore, officials from CMG Worldwide highlighted Stewart's voice as among the most iconic in cinema and showed enthusiasm for its integration with a leading relaxation app.

The Technology Behind the Voice

Calm partnered with the AI voice-cloning company Respeecher, which worked meticulously to ensure the recreated voice met high ethical standards and respect. Respeecher's role in the voice cloning process involved a voice actor who skillfully emulated Stewart's speech style. Alex Serdiuk, CEO and co-founder of Respeecher, stated the task of re-creating Stewart’s voice was a significant honor and responsibility, serving as a tribute to his remarkable acting career and the joyful memories he left behind.

Respeecher has also been recognized for its work providing the voices for other iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in recent Star Wars series, demonstrating their growing influence in the entertainment industry. A notable mention is their collaboration with James Earl Jones for Darth Vader’s voice, signifying another milestone in the application of AI in culture and entertainment.

The modern concerns over AI voice-cloning and digital representations are also acknowledged, with celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks having experienced unauthorized uses of their likenesses. This underlines the importance of ethical considerations and legal protections in the expanding realm of AI technologies.

'It’s a Wonderful Sleep Story' is available exclusively for Calm app subscribers, offering a moment of tranquility through the nostalgic and comforting voice of Jimmy Stewart.

AI, bedtime, celebrity