Children’s singer Ella Jenkins has died at the age of 100, according to her publicist.
The legendary Chicago singer was most famous for songs such as You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song, Did You Feed My Cow? and Miss Mary Mack.
She passed away on Saturday at her home in Chicago following 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 Harbors at the Admiral at the Lake in Chicago. She was 100 years old,’ a statement from her spokesperson partly read.
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’
Ella Jenkins and Carole King during The 46th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2004
‘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 ‘following a long illness.’
The singer is credited with transforming the children’s music genre, giving global scope.
Her style, which garnered numerous accolades over the years seldom strayed 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 a relationship with her young listeners.
Jenkins never married and leaves no known immediate relatives.
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.’
Social media has been filled with tributes for Jenkins from educators and fans.
One X user wrote: ‘If you went to Chicago Public Schools in years past, you got a great musical education. Mrs. Ella Jenkins was one of the first I learned there. I will miss her.’
