This year Smithsonian Folkways Recordings marks the 35th anniversary of Ella Jenkins’s pioneering children’s recording ‘You’ll Sing A Song and I’ll Sing a Song.’ Originally released in 1966, ‘You’ll Sing a Song...’ is the most universally recognized album by a performer who has come to embody the genre of children’s music. ‘You’ll Sing A Song...’ has been endorsed by Teachers Magazine, and it remains one of the most perennially popular titles in the Smithsonian Folkways catalogue.

The fifteen tracks on ‘You’ll Sing a Song’ explore musical styles from around the world and encourage singing and rhythmic participation. Songs on this groundbreaking release include Miss Mary Mack, Sifting in the Sand, This Train, and Shabot Shalom, all of which Jenkins recorded with Chicago’s Urban Gateways Children’s Chorus.

Jenkins recalls, "‘You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song’ is the album that was really noticed the most. It’s also the one I enjoyed making the most. I chose songs that I would like to sing again and again and that also reflect a lot of backgrounds. Any child can enjoy this record, and find a place for him or herself on it." Jenkins is frequently reminded of the lasting influence of this recording. She continues, "People often approach me and say, ‘You don’t know me, but I know you - you’re Miss Mary Mack!’"

Ella Jenkins lives in Chicago, and still performs for children, adults and educators around the world. Please consider this milestone for family and children’s sections in addition to general music and arts coverage.

NOTE: Smithsonian Folkways Recordings retail distribution is through KOCH International at 516.484.1000. SFW releases are available from record and book outlets, mail order, and the Internet. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, as well as the original Cook, Dyer-Bennet, Fast Folk, Folkways, Monitor, and Paredon collections, are available via mail order at 800.410.9815 or via the Internet. Visit Smithsonian Folkways' web site at www.si.edu/folkways.

U.S. print media inquiries: Matt Hanks, or Mark Satlof, Shore Fire Media, mhanks@shorefire.com, msatlof@shorefire.com or 718.522.7171.

Radio & Promotional inquiries: Mark Gustafson, Shore Fire Media, gustafsonm@si.edu or 202.275.1156

Sales & Marketing inquiries: John Smith, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, smithjm@si.edu or 206.568.8144