Legendary Chicago singer-songwriter Ella Jenkins dead at 100
Children’s singer Ella Jenkins has died at the age of 100, according to her publicist.
The legendary Chicago artist was best known for songs like You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song, Did You Feed My Cow? and Mrs. Mary Mack.
She died Saturday at her home in Chicago after a long illness.
Jenkins was known as the “First Lady of Children’s Music,” with a career that spanned more than 60 years and earned her a 2004 Grammy Lifetime Achievement.
“First Lady of Children’s Music Ella Jenkins passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the Admiral at the Lake docks in Chicago. She was 100 years old,” said a statement from her spokesperson.
Children’s singer Ella Jenkins has died at the age of 100, according to her publicist. She was known as the ‘First Lady of Children’s Music.’ She is pictured in 1981
“Known for her deceptively simple call and response chants and songs, Jenkins revolutionized children’s music in the United States.”
Jenkins’ publicist said she died “after an extended illness.”
The singer is credited with transforming the children’s music genre, creating global reach.
Her style, which garnered numerous accolades over the years, rarely deviated from her 1957 debut album, ‘Call and Response: Rhythmic Group Singing.’
In that work she channeled the calls of African-American slaves. It encouraged audience participation and allowed her to build relationships with her young listeners.
Jenkins died Saturday at her home in Chicago. She had a career that spanned more than 60 years
Ella Jenkins and Carole King at the 46th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2004
Jenkins’ record label Smithsonian Folkways said: “We mourn the passing of Ella Jenkins, one of the most iconic folk musicians of the 20th century, who revolutionized children’s music and inspired generations of listeners around the world.”
Child musician Dan Zaynes said The New York Times “There is no one who has done more for young people in American music history than Ella Jenkins.”
Social media has been filled with tributes to Jenkins from teachers and fans.
One Mrs. Ella Jenkins was one of the first I met there. I’ll miss her.’
Jenkins never married and leaves no immediate family members.