Call-and-Response: Rhythmic Group Singing

In 1956, Ella Jenkins went to New York City with an acetate demo disc of children’s music she had recorded. She had decided to devote her life to music. At the office of Folkways Records, Ella met with label founder Moses Asch, who listened to her tape and, after she recorded a few more songs, made it into a record. Now, almost 70 years later, Ella Jenkins has become one of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings' most iconic artists. World renowned for her impact on the music education landscape, she has aptly been nicknamed “The First Lady of Children’s Music.” Originally released on a 10-inch LP record in 1957, Ella’s first album features simple call-and-response chants from both the United States and Africa, specially adapted for young children. Rhythmic and easy to learn and performed with a group of school children, these songs encourage group singing and the development of musical skills and memory. Call-and-Response launched Ella Jenkins’ long and storied career of making music for young people and is an excellent introduction to the beloved performer. Recommended for ages 5–9.

Track Listing

101	Tah-Boo	Ella Jenkins	01:59
102	Zeembah	Ella Jenkins	01:14
103	Moon Don't Go	Ella Jenkins	01:59
104	Moon Don't Go (with instruments)	Ella Jenkins	00:45
105	Toom-Bah-Ee-Lero	Ella Jenkins	01:49
106	Toom-Bah-Ee-Lero (with instruments)	Ella Jenkins	01:26
107	A Chant from West Africa	Ella Jenkins	01:23
108	A Love Chant from North Africa	Ella Jenkins	01:12
109	An American Chain Gang Chant	Ella Jenkins	02:45
110	An Arabic Chant That Means Welcome	Ella Jenkins	01:14