 The episode contains numerous references to popular culture . The title is a play on both the jazz standard ' Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk and the similarly named film also about an unappreciated jazz musician . When a deceased Bleeding Gums Murphy appears to Lisa in a cloud near the end he is joined by Darth Vader , Mufasa , and James Earl Jones saying " This is CNN " . Although all three roles were portrayed by Jones , the characters in this scene were impersonated by cast member Harry Shearer ; Jones himself guest starred twice previously . Additionally , Mufasa accidentally mentions " Kimba " and corrects himself by saying " Simba " . This is a reference to the debate regarding The Lion King 's resemblance to the anime Kimba the White Lion . Lisa and Bleeding Gums play Carole King 's song " Jazzman " in this scene and in the hospital earlier in the episode . Bleeding Gums has to leave at the end of the scene because he has a date with the jazz singer Billie Holiday . 
