Ella Jenkins

Ella Jenkins is an American folk singer and actress. Dubbed The First Lady of the Childrens Folk Song by the Wisconsin State Journal, she has been a leading performer of childrens music for fifty years.

Jenkins was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in predominantly lowermiddleclass neighborhoods in the south side of Chicago. Although she received no formal musical training, she benefited from her rich musical surroundings. Her Uncle Flood introduced her to the harmonica and the blues of such renowned musicians as TBone Walker, Memphis Slim and Big Bill Broonzy. Her family frequently moved around the south side and, as she moved to different neighborhoods, she learned new childrens rhythms, rhymes and games. Gospel music became a part of her soundscape as neighborhood churches broadcast their services onto the street. She also enjoyed tap dancing lessons at the local theater and was able to go to the Regal Theater to see such performers as Cab Calloway, Count Basie, and Peg Leg Bates. Cab Calloway is the person who she credits with getting her interested in call and response singing. While attending Wilson Junior College, she became interested in the music of other cultures throu

Source: Wikipedia