Ella Jenkins has been enchanting and educating children worldwide for over half a century, rightfully earning her title as the “first lady of children’s music songs.” Her journey, rooted in a deep love for music and an understanding of childhood learning, has made her a pioneer in interactive and multicultural children’s music. From preschools to international stages, Ella Jenkins’ impact on generations of children and musicians is undeniable.
Born on August 6, 1924, in St. Louis, Ella Jenkins’ early life in Chicago was steeped in diverse musical influences. Gospel music and the rhythmic sounds of tambourines from nearby churches filled her neighborhood. Her uncle Flood introduced her to the harmonica, sparking a lifelong passion for music. Moving frequently within Chicago exposed her to varied rhythms, rhymes, and childhood games, experiences that would later shape her unique approach to children’s songs. While volunteering at a recreation center, Ella began crafting songs specifically for children, blending her musicality with an innate understanding of child development.
The 1960s marked a turning point when Ella partnered with Bernadelle Richter. This collaboration allowed Ella to focus on her artistic talents – collecting, composing, and performing – while Bernadelle managed the business aspects. This partnership propelled Ella’s career, taking her from local preschools to prestigious venues like Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, where she has graced the stage for 33 years. Her global reach expanded to concerts across continents, enriching her understanding of children from diverse backgrounds and further informing her music.
Ella Jenkins’ music transcends cultural boundaries by incorporating elements from around the world. She masterfully employs a variety of instruments, including the ukulele, harmonica, guitar, piano, and percussion instruments like the kaluba drum, guiro, and maracas, creating a vibrant and engaging soundscape. Her performances are multilingual journeys, weaving in Spanish, Chinese, Hebrew, Korean, Swahili, and other languages. This multicultural approach not only exposes children to different cultures but also highlights the universal language of music.
Central to Ella’s success as the “first lady of children’s music songs” is her innovative call-and-response technique. This interactive method, used in songs, chants, poems, and games, encourages active participation and makes learning fun. Her songs are characterized by simple melodies, captivating rhythms, and accessible lyrics, often featuring children singing along. This approach fosters self-appreciation and understanding of others in young audiences.
Ella Jenkins’ pioneering journey began with her first album, Call and Response, released in 1957 on Folkways Records. She has since created an extensive catalog of children’s songs, all available for digital download through Smithsonian Folkways. Notably, her 1966 album, You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song, stands as the best-selling album in the history of Smithsonian Folkways and Folkways Records, a testament to her enduring appeal. In 2011, she released A Life of Song, her 32nd Smithsonian Folkways album and the first children’s album in the African American Legacy Recording Series, further solidifying her legacy. Her more recent albums, Get Moving with Ella Jenkins and 123s and ABCs, continue to embody her core principles of listening, singing, and improvisation. Celebrating her 90th birthday, Smithsonian Folkways released More Multicultural Children’s Songs, her 40th album, showcasing 20 classics from her remarkable career.
Ella Jenkins’ success has been intrinsically linked with the success of Folkways Records. Her popular recordings financially supported the label and broadened its audience, connecting more people through music. Her contributions have been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, and accolades from publications like the Los Angeles Times, Child Magazine, and The Washington Post, who have hailed her as a pioneer and compared her influence in children’s music to Ella Fitzgerald’s in jazz.
Today, Ella Jenkins, the undisputed “first lady of children’s music songs,” continues to inspire and educate. Her music resonates with multiple generations, and her entire catalog is digitally accessible through Smithsonian Folkways, ensuring that new generations can discover and enjoy the ground-breaking songs of this remarkable artist.
