Join Smithsonian Folkways on April 13, 2019 at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago for A Celebration of Ella!!, a day of performances and activities honoring the music and influence of Ella Jenkins.

At 94, Jenkins is one of the most revered singers and songwriters of the past century, and since her debut on Folkways in 1957, she has released over 40 albums of music for children. Call and Response, You’ll Sing A Song And I’ll Sing A Song, and Multicultural Children’s Songs are just a few of Ella’s beloved recordings, which have established her as the “first lady of Children’s Music,” and laid the foundation for contemporary family-music artists such as Elizabeth Mitchell and Dan Zanes.

The DuSable Museum of African American History, a Smithsonian Affiliate located in Ella’s hometown of Chicago, is hosting the celebration, which will feature performances from the Chicago Children’s Choir, performer and educator Carol Weston, musician Tammy McCann, storyteller Alice Collins, and acclaimed tap dancer Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sneak a peek at the upcoming feature documentary, Ella Jenkins: We’ll Sing a Song Together. The entire city is taking part in the festivities, with proclamations from Cook County and the Mayor of Chicago.

Few musicians have made such an indelible impact on the development of young people as Ella Jenkins. We hope to see you at the DuSable for an afternoon of music, learning, and fun!