We mourn the passing of Ella Jenkins, one of the most iconic folk musicians of the 20th century, who revolutionized children’s music with her “call and response” chants and songs and educated, charmed, and empowered generations of listeners around the world. She died peacefully on Saturday, November 9, at her residence in Chicago, Illinois. She was 100 years old. FOR MORE
National Treasure: Sing a Song With Ella Jenkins, the Beloved First Lady of Children’s Music
National Endowment for the Arts Statement on the Death of National Heritage Fellow Ella Jenkins
Washington, DC—It is with great sadness that the National Endowment for the Arts acknowledges the passing of children’s folk singer and musician Ella Jenkins of Chicago, Illinois, recipient of a 2017 NEA National Heritage Fellowship. Through more than 50 years of groundbreaking efforts, Ella Jenkins, aptly nicknamed the “First Lady of Children’s Music,” laid the groundwork for the field of children’s music and inspired generations of children’s music leaders who have followed in her footsteps. FOR MORE
