Ella Jenkins, an influential figure in children's music, has died.
According to The Washington Post, renowned for her unique approach to children's music that encouraged active participation, Ella Jenkins passed away on November 9 at the age of 100 in a Chicago assisted living center.
Ella Jenkins, often hailed as a pioneer in educational music for children devoted her life to crafting engaging and diverse musical experiences for young audiences. Born into a world marred by racial discrimination, Jenkins's early life experiences profoundly shaped her artistic direction and commitment to inclusivity. Her journey into music full-time began in 1956, marking the start of a prolific career that focused on using music as a conduit for education and unity.
Jenkins's contributions spanned nearly four decades, during which she produced 39 albums with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, starting with her debut in 1957. Despite never learning to read music or play the piano, she mastered other instruments such as the ukulele, harmonica, and drums.
Her musical repertoire included an eclectic mix of Black spirituals, gospel, and songs from various global cultures, each chosen to foster cultural appreciation and understanding among her audience.
From the onset, Ella Jenkins viewed her interactions with children not just as performances but as opportunities for interactive learning. "I never treat music as an entity in itself. It just paves the way to understanding other things — biography, geography, cultures, self-esteem," Jenkins explained in a 1996 interview with The Washington Post.
This educational approach won her the admiration of both her audience and peers, along with several prestigious awards including lifetime achievement recognitions from the ASCAP Foundation and the Grammy Awards.
Her inclination towards engaging her young audience directly became a hallmark of her style. Jenkins famously involved them in the music-making process, often starting a call-and-response sequence with her signature line, "I’ll say it first, and then you’ll repeat it." This method not only entertained but empowered children to participate actively, thereby enhancing their musical and social learning.
Jenkins's influence extended beyond just melodies and into the heart of social movements. During a historic period of civil rights activism, she not only performed at rallies but shared stages with prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr., integrating her commitment to equality and justice into her musical career.
Her work also featured on television, appearing in children-focused programs such as “Sesame Street” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which helped cement her impact on generations.
Ella Jenkins received her higher education with a bachelor's degree in sociology from San Francisco State College, a background that enriched her understanding of the social dynamics she often addressed through her music. Gayle F. Wald, reflecting on Jenkins's career, remarked, "Ella revolutionized the idea of what children’s music could be, and what it was for." This sentiment captures the essence of Jenkins's legacy—as someone who not only entertained but educated and inspired.
A reflection on the essence of participation shared by the legendary Pete Seeger highlighted the broader implications of Jenkins's work: “What Ella did as well as anyone over the past 50 years is remind all of us that participation is the key to the future of the world.”
Children were not just her audience but her inspiration. Jenkins herself acknowledged the special bond she felt with her young listeners, describing them as her "favorite people" because "there’s a sincerity to them."
Ella Jenkins leaves behind a timeless legacy, having touched the lives of many through her music and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of engagement and understanding. As the world remembers her remarkable century of life and legacy, her melodies, teachings, and spirit will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire.
