Where do anyone start when it comes to Ella Jenkins? Almost every tribute focuses on her being born in St. Louis and then moving to Chicago. What is obvious is that she also moved into the homes of children and families across the country and world.
She took a 4-string ukulele and wove magic. She chuckled that she wasn’t a formal musician yet she could fill those concert halls. She had everyone either on stage or clapping their hands or participating in one way or another. While children often asked her to sing the same songs over and over, she continued to create music. She preferred using the minor key because “It’s like people pouring out their hearts” (during “NEA National Heritage Tribute Video: Ella Jenkins”).
She has also said with many people, “Children don’t think too much about race, weight, years. If you’re kind to them and you know some songs and respect them as people, that’s all they care about.”
She lovingly was known as the “First Lady of Children’s Music.” Her music albums have sold more than Peter Seeger and Woody Guthrie. She regularly came on children’s television shows like Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sesame Street.
Gayle F. Wald, professor of American Studies at George Washington University, is working on a book about Ella Jenkins. Wald said that Ella Jenkins “revolutionized the idea of what children’s music could be.” She noted that Ella Jenkins could talk about difficult topics “with gentleness and never talked down to them.”
Yet, a new picture book about Ella Jenkins did come out on February 1, 2024 called A Life of Song: The Story of Ella Jenkins (The First Lady of Children’s Music).
During a recent weekly gathering of the Artists Standing Strong Together, several people expressed her impact on them when learning about her passing. One person proudly stated that she had a harmonica that had Ella Jenkins’s name on it! Perhaps you are also one of those people who have a harmonica of hers.
So many songs sung on the storytelling and musical circuit can be attributed to Ella Jenkins. Here is a list of popular songs of hers as a reminder:
Ella Jenkins has a long and distinguished career of creating songs that teach and entertain children, often incorporating multicultural elements and educational themes. While her catalog spans many decades, here are some of her most popular and beloved songs (and please share in the comments some of your favorites):
- “You Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song” – A joyful, interactive tune that invites children to share their voices and create music together, celebrating the power of song and collaboration.
- “Come Along and Sing a Song” – A song that invites children to join in and sing along, reflecting the participatory nature of her music.
- “Make a Joyful Noise” – A song that encourages children to express themselves through music and movement.
- “This Little Light of Mine” – Ella Jenkins is often associated with this classic, which she performed and adapted with a joyful, inclusive spirit.
- “Banana Song” – A fun, upbeat song about eating bananas, full of rhythm and movement that kids love.
- “Going to the Zoo” – A cheerful song about visiting the zoo, with playful lyrics and engaging for young listeners.
- “Tingalayo” – A fun and rhythmic song that encourages kids to sing, clap, and move along to the beat.
- “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” – A playful, counting song that has been loved by generations of children.
- “Who Came to My Party?” – A fun song that invites children to think about different kinds of guests at a party, making it an interactive experience.
- “The Multicultural Song” – A reflection of her commitment to celebrating diversity, this song introduces children to different cultures and languages.
Ella Jenkins’ music is characterized by its simplicity, inclusivity, and educational value, and her songs have become classics in the world of children’s music. Many of her songs encourage participation, movement, and learning, helping children engage both intellectually and physically with the music.
So please sing a song today…in her honor.
If you have links to add – video, audio, articles – please share by emailing info@storycrossroads.org or commenting on this blog post.
You can see more details on Ella Jenkins with the Story Artists Memorial.
Do you know a Story Artist who has passed on and want others to remember them? Memories? Pictures? You can submit names and memories of Story Artists who have passed on through our online form.
I appreciate Ella Jenkins for the profound impact she has had and will continue to have through her music and stories. She focused on people one-on-one…and people knew it even if in a crowd of hundreds or thousands.
Ella Jenkins still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.