As a separate genre from the so-called popular music scene, you would never think that children’s music would become so prevalent so suddenly. Well, apparently children’s music is making a name for itself lately.
As of March 2, 2006, the top three albums on the Billboard chart were considered music aimed at the younger crowds. The soundtrack to the recent Disney hit television movie “High School Musical” reached No. 1 in its seventh week. According to “The New York Times” “High School Musical” is the first TV soundtrack to reach a top rating since “Miami Vice” in the mid-1980’s. “Kidz Bop 9” entered the Billboard Top 200 Album chart at No. 2, which made “Kidz Bop 9” the highest charting non-soundtrack children’s release in Billboard history. The third album included in this boom is the recent soundtrack release to the children’s movie “Curious George.”
When “We Are…The Laurie Berkner Band” was released on February 14, 2006, that DVD entered Billboard’s Music Video DVD chart at No. 1. Being the first DVD release for The Laurie Berkner Band, I am sure they couldn’t have been more pleased. This was a great moment for Razor and Tie, who distributes Laurie’s label Two Tomatoes Records. Since the release of this DVD was the first time that Starbucks Hear Music had co-released a family entertainment title, I am sure that was a big deal for them as well.
My daughter has two of the above mentioned titles — “We Are…The Laurie Berkner Band” and “Kidz Bop 9”. The DVD has become one of her favorites in the past month that she has had it. She loves the fun tunes and creative videos. Now, anytime she watches NOGGIN and hears Laurie Berkner’s voice, she drops whatever she is doing and starts clapping and dancing. She likes to dance along to the “Kidz Bop 9” CD at home and it tends to keep her occupied when we are in the car.
With talent from artists like The Laurie Berkner Band and Jack Johnson (featured on the “Curious George” soundtrack), it is no wonder that children’s music is becoming more popular these days. In addition to this talent, having children singing in movies like “High School Musical” and singing popular songs like in the “Kidz Bop” series, we are teaching our children that music is cool. We are introducing our children to a world in which they might not show interest unless other children (such as the ones singing) are involved.
I know how important music is to me simply because I grew up around it. My father plays four musical instruments and has played more in the past. I can play the piano and sing. My sister sings. Music is a large part of all of us and our lives are richer for it. I can not stress enough how important music can be to a child’s life. The recent boom in the popularity of children’s music only reinforces my point.