Words
Remembering Ella Jenkins, Luminary in Children's Music, 1924-2024
We mourn the passing of Ella Jenkins, one of the most iconic folk musicians of the 20th century, who revolutionized children’s music and educated, charmed, and empowered generations of listeners around the world. She died peacefully on Saturday, November 9, at her residence in Chicago, Illinois. She was 100 years old.
Sing Me a Song Again, Ella: Celebrating 100 Years of Ella Jenkins
How fortunate we are to celebrate one hundred years of Ella Jenkins! As long as most of us can recall, Ella has been a tireless advocate for children and those who care for them. Some of us know her as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award–winning First Lady of Children’s Music.
A Life of Song: The Story of Ella Jenkins
Few realize that Ella's groundbreaking career in children's music was rooted in the fight for equality. This biography follows her trailblazing career from her early life influenced by jazz greats like Cab Calloway to her cross-country tours. Exploring the extraordinary story of a woman who has fearlessly crossed boundaries to share music and use it as a tool to fight racism, it's a story that asks readers of all ages, “will YOU sing a song together?”
Celebrating the "First Lady of Children's Folk Songs," Ella Jenkins
Legendary children's musician Ella Jenkins turns 100 this year, and the University of Arkansas Department of Music is throwing some events to celebrate her enduring legacy. Events include a sing-a-long at the Fayetteville Public Library and a guest lecture on the Old Main Lawn. Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams sat down with lecturers and organizers to learn more.
Ella Jenkins, a Hidden Figure in the Fight for Civil Rights
To many, Ella Jenkins is solely the First Lady of Children’s Music—the figure who, on Barney, Sesame Street, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, introduced them to the music and culture of other youth across the globe. However, unbeknownst to most, her career has always been tethered to the fight for equality for all Americans.
Sound Sessions Radio - Ella Jenkins - First Lady of Children's Music
Episode 14 of this podcast series features an interview with Ella Jenkins. Ella recorded her first album for Folkways Records in 1957 and continued to release albums with Folkways Records (and then Smithsonian Folkways Recordings) for 60 years.
