Over the past couple years I have shared a few of the Smithsonian Folkways albums with our readers. It was fun to find out that one of my family’s favorite Smithsonian Folkways artists, Ella Jenkins, holds the distinction of having had their most popular release with her “Multicultural Children’s Songs” album from 1995.
In celebration of her 90th birthday this summer, Smithsonian Folkways has released More Multicultural Children’s Songs. Featuring 20 classic songs from Ella Jenkins’ this album is also her 40th title from the past 57 years! I don’t know about you, but the thought of such a beloved artist reaching such a milestone in age as with her career makes me smile every time. Congrats Ella!
About 30 seconds into listening to the first song on this new album my eldest asked me “Is this the lady who sings the Pigeon Song?” (aka “Eight Clay Pigeons” from Ella Jenkins’ 123s and ABCs album). As soon as I confirmed, that yes, we were listening to Ella Jenkins, Miss M settled back into her seat and proceed to concentrate on the songs. Knowing my children as I do it didn’t take me even half a second to figure out that she was trying to memorize all the songs as she listened so she could sing them at will!
Once again the magic that is Ella Jenkins, has enthralled my children and given them an opportunity to learn through music. As suggested by the title, More Multicultural Children’s Songs is full of songs from many different cultures and traditions around the world. With tracks inspired by such places as Hawaii to Russia, Puerto Rico to Greece, and Germany to China, there are many places to explore and learn about through song on this album.
I frequently hear my 4-year-old singing “Where is Mary?” to herself under her breath as she plays and the girls and I had fun when we serenaded my husband with “Hukilau” the other day. Now that I’ve shared this album with you all, I must return it to our car so that we can enjoy it on our travels near and far!
Another great release from Ella Jenkins proving that you’re never to old to share what you love!
More Multicultural Children’s Songs :: $11.98 album; $9.99 download
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A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!!
One lucky SIMPLE reader will win a copy of More Multicultural Children’s Songs from Ella Jenkins and Smithsonian Folkways. Here is how to enter:
Crissie Woolard
September 24, 2014 at 9:59 pmI liked In Australia because it teaches about animals
Audra watts
September 24, 2014 at 7:02 pmI like the beat to in Australia
megan tilley
September 24, 2014 at 5:21 pmI like where is mary. It is simple and love the different languages in it.
Leela
September 24, 2014 at 4:22 pmThe Australian Zoo (Kookaburra & Waltzing Matilda) because my daughter likes Kookaburras.
Marci
September 24, 2014 at 3:28 pmI like Differences because my sister-in-law is from England and I love the difference in words. We were watching a movie the other day and a lady said something about her “knickers”. My daughters asked what that meant and it means women’s underwear! LOL! Also one of my other favorites was when my sister-in-law was always hoovering that would be vacuuming to you and me!
Nancy
September 23, 2014 at 5:12 pmI like Track 111: A German Counting Rhyme because it is great for children to learn different languages.
jenn huey
September 18, 2014 at 11:25 amWhat fun! The music is so upbeat and you cant help but join in, I love the Arabic Mood because my ex is Arabic so we listen to that music all the time
Nannypanpan
September 13, 2014 at 2:36 pmI like a train ride to the Great Wall..my son loves anything trains
Deanna Middendorf
September 12, 2014 at 4:36 amAll I can say is OMG! I was a preschool teacher and a literacy specialist until I decided to be a stay at home grandma! Let me tell you that this woman is a QUEEN! I’ve been so lucky. I have literally kissed Ella on her sweet, talented, and soft cheek! I have watched her perform numerous times. I always arrived early to get a front row seat. Yes, I am an Ella groupie. On this CD I guess if I have to pick a favorite I’d go with “Where is Mary?” Bless Ella and I know as long as I’m around there will be children as well as adults enjoying her amazing talents.
Patricia
September 11, 2014 at 3:44 pmI like Qué Bonita Bandera. It has a good beat.
Debby Chandler
September 11, 2014 at 11:13 amI like A German Counting Rhyme because I’m half German.