Children’s music legend Laurie Berkner, crowned “Queen of Children’s Music” by People magazine, is celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 2022.
On May 25 this year, Laurie marks the 25th anniversary of the release of her iconic debut album, Whaddaya Think of That?
What do you think of that? was the first studio recording to include Laurie’s now classic song, “We Are the Dinosaurs”, as well as other songs destined to become fan favorites, such as “I Know a Chicken”, “The Cat Came Back and “These Are My Glasses.”
“It’s amazing what I feel like both a lifetime ago and just yesterday I was in a basement studio recording my debut album, Whaddaya Think. of That?, with a sign on the wall that read “Remember: this is for the kids!” said Laurie Berkner “I’m so grateful to celebrate 25 incredible years of music, learning, exploration and of FUN!”
Laurie Berkner’s music has also crossed over into the adult world. His song, “Pajama Time”, was featured prominently in that season’s opening episode of South Park. Laurie’s song “Clean It Up” was included on an episode of Sex and the City. For Weeds, Laurie was among the artists invited to sing the show’s theme song, “Little Boxes.”
USA Today named Laurie “the undisputed queen of kindie rock”. The New York Times dubbed her “the Adele of the preschool crowd.” The Wall Street Journal called Laurie “one of America’s most popular children’s performers … her music stands out because it speaks to children without putting them down, charms young people without boring adults”. Business Insider praised Laurie as “the gold standard of the children’s music world”. NPR’s All Things Considered said, “Laurie Berkner is like a goddess to these kids.”
As a leader and innovator in children’s/family music and entertainment (TV, books, albums, musicals, videos, concerts, audio series, etc.) for a quarter of a century, Laurie Berkner s is produced at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the White House, among many prestigious places. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when touring was not possible, Laurie produced 10 full live-streamed concerts for families, and she offered more than 100 mini-shows, for free, on Facebook and Instagram Live, including many have served as fundraisers for charities to support families and children.
Laurie Berkner has released 14 successful and award-winning albums. Her 15th album – her second Christmas album – is due out later this year. With over 230 million views on her YouTube channel, an average of over 22 million monthly streams, and millions of CDs and DVDs sold, Laurie’s songs are loved by families around the world, including music staples. house like “We Are the Dinosaurs”, “Victor Vito”, “Waiting for the Elevator”, “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming)”, and “Moon Moon Moon”.
The first artist to appear in music videos about Nick Jr., Laurie Berkner was featured on nearly every episode of the channel’s Jack’s Big Music Show. She also helped develop the short-lived musical preschool series Sing It, Laurie! on Sprout TV. Laurie created two Laurie Berkner Song and Story Kitchen series with Audible Studios, which released them as 10-chapter audiobooks through the Audible Originals brand. Laurie is the author of several picture books based on her songs, the most recent of which have been published by Simon & Schuster. She wrote the music and lyrics for three Off-Broadway children’s musicals produced by the New York City Children’s Theater: Wanda’s Monster, The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess, and Interstellar Cinderella.
What sets Laurie apart? She demonstrates an instinctive understanding of children’s natural rhythms and energy, which delights children and brings parents and caregivers along for the ride. Laurie finds inspiration in her audience. “I want to create songs that matter to kids,” she says. “I was singing once and saw a four-year-old girl close her eyes and start rocking to the music. I thought, ‘This is why I got into music.’ It makes me want to do more.”
