Smithsonian Folkways is thrilled to announce the LP reissue, for the first time in decades, of two classics by Ella Jenkins: You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song (1966) and A Long Time to Freedom (1969). These albums are being reissued to celebrate Ella's 100th birthday this summer. Our “Summer of Ella” also includes new music inspired by Ella Jenkins’ vibrant life, the digital release of all of her Smithsonian Folkways albums on our Bandcamp, and the release of unseen archival photos and footage.

Ella Jenkins is a widely-respected innovator in the world of educational children’s music, and stands today as one of the most iconic folk musicians of the 20th century. Across her 40-album discography, which includes African American heritage songs, Jewish songs, and union songs for children, she also devoted herself to championing multiculturalism and fostering a spirit of understanding and inclusivity through music. Ella earned a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, and through her music and appearances on programs such as Sesame Street, Barney and Friends, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, has taught, inspired, and touched generations of children.

The reissues of two of Ella’s most beloved children’s albums, You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song and A Long Time to Freedom, have both been remastered from the original tapes and will be on vinyl for the first time, respectively, in 35 and 55 years. Created especially for young listeners, You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song is as much a classic of American folk music as it is a foundational record for those making music for young people. By encouraging participation and individual creativity, the album teaches children basic musical building blocks. The title track was added to the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress in 2007. A Long Time to Freedom is an album made for all ages but geared toward adult listeners, and reflects Ella’s active role in the ongoing struggle for Black liberation in mid-century America through its focus on Black music traditions and songs from Ella’s youth.

Through the rest of 2024, Smithsonian Folkways will continue to honor Ella’s life and career with musical tributes, archival audio, footage, and photos, and more. Keep an ear to the ground for more to come ahead of and after her 100th birthday on August 6th.