Little Johnny Brown

by Ella Jenkins

Overview

Jenkins recorded these dozen songs in 1971 at the Bezazian Library in Chicago, in front of a live audience of young children. They can be heard loud and clear, whether shouting responsively or singing along, on this set. As usual, she covers a lot of territory on this 36-minute disc, from game songs and traditional chants to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," the Jenkins composition "The Children's Librarian," and an instrumental Mexican dance on kazoo. This wouldn't be the best Jenkins record to select, because of the bare arrangements and the greater emphasis on the children's vocals. Of course, just about any Jenkins record is an above-average children's disc, and this one is too, managing to be fun and educational without being pretentious or unduly silly. ~ Richie Unterberger

Product Details

Release Date:	08/28/2001
Label:	Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
UPC:	0093074502624
Rank:	171594

Tracks

1. Little Johnny Brown
2. Head and Shoulders
3. What's Your Name?
4. Miss Mary Mack
5. Hammer, Hammer, Hammer
6. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
7. The Children's Librarian
8. Freedom Train
9. Be Ready When Your Freedom Comes
10. Shee-Nasha
11. Mexican Hand-Clapping Chant
12. La Raspa (Mexican Dance)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Ella Jenkins   Primary Artist,Harmonica,Vocals

Technical Credits

Ella Jenkins   Arranger,Composer,Liner Notes
D.A. Sonneborn   Reissue Production Supervisor
Mary Monseur   Reissue Production Coordination,Production Coordination
Bernadelle Richter   Photography
Traditional   Composer
Pete Reiniger   Mastering,Reissue Mastering