Ella Jenkins 90th Birthday Celebration
When it comes to children’s music, there is no one more top of mind than the first lady of children’s folk song – Ella Jenkins. A true pioneer in music education for young children, on August 6, 2014, Ella turned 90 years of age, and celebrated in style with her friends and fans at a gathering at the Dailey Bar and Grill in Chicago. Lynn Orman Weiss of Orman Music and Media Group (Ella’s longtime publicist) and the Old Town School of Folk Music were on hand to orchestrate, document and partake in the momentous activities. Over 30 children, musicians and adults marched across the street from the School to pay homage to Ella on her special day.
Thank you Lynn Orman Weiss for including me in Ella Jenkins most memorable milestone day. At the young age of 90, this children’s musician pioneer is still going strong. Ella released her newest Smithsonian Folkways Recording album “More Multicultural Children’s Songs from Ella Jenkins” on August 5, 2014. Her entire recorded output (40 titles since 1957) is in the Smithsonian Folkways collection
A documentary of her life and work is in the making entitled “Ella Jenkins: We’ll Sing a Song Together”. There is currently an indeigogo campaign to raise the needed funds to complete the film. To support this worthwhile and must-be-made project visit: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ella-jenkins-we-ll-sing-a-song-together/x/2970005
Bravo Ella! And, thank you Ella for being such a huge part of my childhood and my children’s lives.
–as
