Ella Jenkins, the legendary Chicago singer, has passed away at 100 years old.
Jenkins was best known for her songs such as “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song,” “Did You Feed My Cow?”, and “Miss Mary Mack.” During her 60-year career, she became known as the “First Lady of Children’s Music.”
In 2004, Jenkins received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys. A statement from her spokesperson read, “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.”
The statement continued, “Known for her deceptively simple ‘call and response’ chants and songs, Jenkins revolutionized children’s music in the United States.” Her publicist added that Jenkins passed away following a long illness.
Ella Jenkins’ style of music gained her many accolades starting with her 1957 debut album. “Call and Response: Rhythmic Group Singing.” Her music allowed audiences to participate with her and build relationships with her young listeners.
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.”