Motherhood introduced me to a lot of things. I was not surprised that it changed my book reading and television watching habits. But I was shocked that it opened up a whole new world of music.
Thanks to my local library, I found rows and rows of CDs (I’m telling my age!) to peruse while my baby napped in the stroller after story time. I spent many a morning sitting on that children’s room library floor, head tilted to read CD titles, pulling potential choices out of the shelved line up, and assessing cover art and play lists.
This is where I discovered The Laurie Berkner Band. Laurie was fun, for me and that growing boy in the rear-facing child seat. (We mostly enjoyed music in the car.)
We took her into toddlerhood. She still held appeal in elementary school car line. And, I once used her song of the three little pigs for an adult bible study analogy. It was that time when I realized most everyone was familiar with Laurie, especially the grandmothers.
It doesn’t take much variety to satisfy me so I’ll confess that in those early days, I didn’t venture far into music for children. I found great delight in Sandra Boynton’s board books, so her musical collaborations were like icing on a cake. I mean, I already almost sang her rhyming books when reading aloud, so her Barnyard Dance was immediately familiar in the best kind of way. It’s like I almost wrote it.
But the absolute best discovery among those library shelves was Lunch Money. Why? Well, they were local and they did shows. Who can resist a hometown group that’s gaining fame? And, they moved the intellectual part of our music listening time to another level. I thought about stuff because of their lyrics. NPR’s March 2009 review describes them this way:
It’s easy enough to find music for kids that parents will like too. But kids’ music that nonparents can warm up to is another thing entirely. The South Carolina trio Lunch Money has a new CD that even those without children might want to give a spin.
But it’s not 2009 anymore.
So guess who I asked for music recommendations? The voice of Lunch Money itself, Molly Ledford. (Because this local fan girl became a friend to that famous one – eek!) I listened to Molly’s preferred musicians list and I’ve got a few to share with you, along with my non-professional thoughts. So here it is.
Your 2019 Children’s Play List
Dog on Fleas is perfect listening for those who’ve appreciated Laurie Berkner. In fact, When I Get Little sounded just like a male led Laurie Berkner Band to me.
Recess Monkey ups the game with a great YouTube channel of videos to some of their songs. Time to Make the Donuts takes me back to a television commercial of my childhood, on a sugar high.
Elizabeth Mitchell was the first children’s music artist signed with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. She should be in your coffee shop playing. Listening makes me want a hot tea and an outside chair. You can find her on YouTube or bandcamp.
The Okee Dokee Brothers is for you if you liked Elizabeth Mitchell but need a more boyish folk style.
Lori Henriques is a total change from folk to New Orleans’ style jazz. I’m just beginning to listen to all she has, but Monkey, Monkey is quite a fave over here.
Jazzy Ash is sure to please if you liked Lori Henriques and her jazz style.
Frances England was described as funk horns and indie groove by some reviewer I read. I found her a bit calmer than that. But you should listen yourself. Also, consider buying her recent single, Beacons of Light. Written after contemplating the state of our country today, England is donating all download proceeds to Southern Poverty Law Center.
Secret Agent 23 Skiddoo is the wildest of this list. Described as a family funk phenomenon and hip hop science fiction storytelling, imagine purple velvet tuxedos.
We think there’s something for everyone on this list. Who is your favorite music artist for children?
