The music on which children are raised will influence them for the rest of their lives. Moses Asch, the founder of Folkways Records, was committed to providing children with music that would engage them. He believed music was a powerful way for children to learn about their own roots as well as other cultural traditions. Asch asked many of his best-known artists, including Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, and Pete Seeger, to prepare recordings specifically for children, and encouraged other artists, especially Ella Jenkins, to devote their careers to children's musical education.
In 1987, the Smithsonian Institution acquired Folkways Records. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings continues Asch's dedication to recordings that both entertain and educate children. Our new children's recordings, as well as reissues of previous Folkways titles geared for young audiences, are featured here with full descriptions. All Folkways children's releases, even those from years ago, remain in print.
As we move further into the 21st century, we reflect on the timelessness of great traditions. In our children's music series you will find some songs that are hundreds of years old and that have been passed from parents to child because they are good songs, fun to sing and move to, and that teach important lessons. But age alone does not define a great song--there are some newer songs, too, which have already become the traditions that will be passed on. We hope this children's recordings catalogue is the beginning of a musical voyage of discovery and enjoyment for children and their families.
View our catalogue, Music for Children, complete with descriptions, age recommendations, and reviews. Or simply search our entire catalogue on-line. Below are Folkways' top ten most popular recordings for kids to get you started.
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Tom Glazer
SFW CD 45068 (2008)
Tom Glazer's uncanny ability to "speak to children as saints speak to birds," as touted by the New York Times, rings loud and clear in this signature collection of live performances read more...
You Are My Little Bird
Elizabeth Mitchell
SFW CD 45063 (2006)
Once in a great while we encounter an artist who stands consciously and directly in the tradition of children's music that Folkways has carried for nearly 60 years, and Elizabeth Mitchell read more...
Multi-Cultural Children's Songs
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45045 (1995)
Ella compiled 23 tracks from 12 previous records focusing on multicultural themes. Booklet includes lyrics and a discography plus notes written by Ella. "In Trinidad," "Dance Tunes read more...
"A treasure trove of rhythm, rhyme and heart" --LA Times
You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 40510 (1989)
Ella's best-selling record has international songs that encourage singing and rhythmic participation. Recommended for early education by Teachers Magazine. read more...
"Will surely delight the young." --Film News
Smithsonian Folkways Children's Collection
Various Artists
SFW CD 45043 (1998)
26 songs, play-party games, and poems selected from over 200 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and Folkways Records present a panorama of music performed for and by young children. read more...
"Incredible...impressive...marvelous." --Chicago Parent News
Birds, Beasts, Bugs and Fishes (Little and Big)
Pete Seeger
SFW CD 45039 (1998)
Pete Seeger released 28 songs and stories about animals on two short LP records in 1955 to an enthusiastic audience. Ever since, they have been sung by generations read more...
Early, Early Childhood Songs
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45015 (1990)
Eight favorites performed with nursery school children. Features melodies performed on folk instruments followed by playful group exercises for melody recognition. read more...
"You hear the fits and starts of hesitant children, at first mumbling ditties like This Old Man, then growing confident, until they sing without self-consciousness..." --Entertainment Weekly
Play Your Instruments and Make a Pretty Sound
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45018 (1995)
Ella encourages children to play rhythm instruments provided by the teacher or homemade. After she sings "Put Your Instruments Away," a jazz band introduces the tromboneread more...
"A fabulous first music lesson, Play teaches the basics of rhythm and response and introduces eight instruments." --Entertainment Weekly
Come Dance by the Ocean
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45014 (1991)
Songs dedicated to caring for the environment and appreciating other cultures, languages, and places. Includes "You Can't Sink a Rainbow," and "A Solution to Pollution." read more...
"...a wonderful collection of songs about caring for the environment and enjoying other cultures, languages, and places." --New Jersey Greater News
Songs to Grow On for Mother and Child
Woody Guthrie
SFW CD 45035 (1991)
Beautifully remastered vintage recordings with vocals, acoustic guitar, and rattles. Includes counting songs "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8" and "One Day Old," playful songs "Wash-y Wash" and read more...
"Songs meant for you to sing with your children as parents have done for generations." --Long Island Parenting
Lead Belly Sings for Children
Lead Belly
SFW CD 45047 (1999)
With classics like "Skip to My Lou," "Boll Weevil," and "John Henry," this collection of 28 songs and spoken introductions for children reveal the humor, humanity, and musical genius read more...
"It is a remarkable record, musically superb and deeply informative." --Boston Globe Online