Ella Jenkins, Iconic Children’s Folk Song Pioneer, Passes at 100

Jenkins’s musical journey began early in life, as she was introduced to the harmonica and blues by her uncle. Her deep fascination with gospel music was nurtured by the powerful performances she experienced at neighborhood churches, as well as by iconic artists like Cab Calloway. This early exposure ignited her passion for a diverse range of musical expressions, ultimately shaping her unique style and approach in the world of children’s music.

Reflecting on her early love for music in an interview with Smithsonian Mag in 2012, Jenkins shared: “I’ve always liked music. Even as a child in our neighborhood, we sang and created our own rhymes. Being able to carry a tune and learn new songs was vital in our community.” This profound connection to music served as a foundation for her illustrious career in children’s folk songs.

Jenkins reminisced about the vibrant entertainment scene in her Chicago neighborhood, particularly the Regal Theater, which showcased live performances. She described how the captivating acts of singers and tap dancers sparked her interest, leading her to request her mother to enroll her in tap dancing classes. This enthusiasm for performance not only enriched her childhood experience but also influenced her later artistic endeavors.

In the early 1950s, Jenkins transitioned from her role as a YWCA program director to fully committing herself to the world of music for young audiences. Her debut album, Call-And-Response: Rhythmic Group Singing, released through Folkways Records in 1957, featured an engaging collection of call-and-response chants from the United States and Africa. These chants were specially tailored to captivate young children, making learning an enjoyable and interactive experience.

Over her illustrious career, Jenkins produced an impressive total of 39 albums, including the beloved Multicultural Children’s Songs (1995), which has achieved the status of the most popular release in the history of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Her performances spanned all seven continents, allowing her to share her love for music and learn about diverse musical cultures from around the globe.

Jenkins’s innovative approach to children’s music introduced young audiences to a variety of rhythms and languages, exemplified by her iconic song “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song.” This cherished piece is now preserved in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry. Her work embodied a gentle and inclusive method to address crucial themes such as self-worth and acceptance, enriching the lives of countless children.

Her memorable appearances on popular television programs, including Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Barney & Friends, and Sesame Street, significantly expanded her influence, reaching millions of children and families. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the field, Jenkins was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in children’s entertainment.

The impact of Jenkins’s work transcended her Grammy nominations and record-breaking sales; she inspired generations of educators, musicians, and families to embrace cultural diversity through the enchanting medium of music. Jenkins peacefully passed away at the Harbors at The Admiral at the Lake, a senior facility in Chicago, leaving behind a profound legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.