ELLA JENKINS - 90!
G'day folks,
Welcome to the life and times of Ella Jenkins who recently turned 90 years-of-age. Who is she? Why is she famous?
On August 6th, 2014,
pioneering, inspiring, and award-winning children’s musician and educator Ella
Jenkins turned 90 years old. From first learning harmonica as a child to
earning the first GRAMMY lifetime achievement award given to a children’s artist,
Ella continues to live a life filled with rhythm and song. Her enduring
dedication to education through music is evident in her 57-year career, during
which she has released 40 albums and films, performed on numerous stages and
television programs worldwide, and received countless awards and recognitions.
Ella spent her formative
years on the south side of Chicago, where she was exposed to a range of musical
influences, from the gospel music pouring out of local churches to the rhythm
and blues of T-Bone Walker and Big Bill Broonzy. While studying at San
Francisco State University, Ella was introduced to other musical traditions by
her Jewish roommates, and from there her commitment to multiculturalism took
off. In the early 1950s, she led singing sessions in youth camps and a Chicago
recreation center that featured traditional songs not only from her
neighborhood, but also from cultures all over the world. Many of these songs
were learned from friends and from her own travels, and many she created
herself. Ella’s 40th title, More
Multicultural Children’s Songs, continues her musical legacy by
inspiring respect and rejoicing in the traditions of others among children of
all ages.
Reflecting on her childhood,
Ella says, “I was raised with respect for my elders and teachers, which helped
me throughout my life.” She strives to inspire this same passion for learning
and diversity in all children. By providing fun, interactive music, she is able
to impart knowledge of world cultures, the joy of music, and basic skills into
children’s lives. Children’s musicians, parents, and educators worldwide have
Ella to thank for her ongoing innovative and engaging influence.
Now you might like to see what she is like at entertaining kids. Check out this short video.
Clancy's comment: Fantastic effort. Happy birthday. Love ya work, Ella!
I'm ...
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