CDs for Kids by Artists You Would Never Suspect - Did you ever imagine that Jerry Garcia made an album for kids? Elvis sings songs for children? Kenny Loggins stepped away from his primary genre to record "Back to Pooh Corner" and "Return to Pooh Corner."
1. Not for Kids Only: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
The legendary Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead partnered with mandolin player David Grisman in 1993 to produce this album that's Not for Kids Only. Consisting of an interesting combination of folk music and kids songs with a hillbilly twang, this CD is something you would have never expected. This combo will be a big hit with all ages.
2. Elvis Sings for Kids
Many people would visualize Elvis as an eternal 'big kid' and his music was typically safe for all ages, but this cd is still unexpected. This was recorded specifically with kids in mind. Of course "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" HAD to be included. But there are other great songs for the young at heart. "Five Sleepyheads" and "Cotton Candy Land" are only two of the tracks. Elvis' own version of "Old McDonald" is not for vegetarians, but most people will find it hysterical.3. Really Rosie: Carole King
Carole King has the voice I always wanted. (Ok, she's actually tied with Karen Carpenter). In 1975, Carole King teamed with the well-known children's author, Mercer Mayer, to create an animated special based on some of Mayer's books. The result was Really Rosie and the songs are fun and educational and classic. "Alligators All Around" is an alphabet song. "One Was Johnny" is a counting song. Other songs are simply fun tunes that round out the character of Rosie.4. Pooh Corner: Kenny Loggins
Kenny Loggins was a well known pop artist in the 70s with Loggins and Messina who specialized in rock ballads. He later became known for writing and singing theme songs. These two albums are named for his hit kids song, "House at Pooh Corner". In 1994, he released a lullabye album featuring a remake called "Return to Pooh Corner." He became well known with parents for this classic album, and in 2000 he released a follow-up album called "More Songs from Pooh Corner.5. Warm and Tender: Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John was all over the pop charts in the late 70s and early 80s. Her memorable musical roles in Grease and Xanadu combined her recordings to make her a superstar. She released Warm and Tender a collection of beautiful lullabyes in 1989, soon after she had her daughter. Her voice is pure and soothing and perfect for these songs.6. Dedicated to the One I Love: Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt has done it all! She's best known as a 70s soft rock icon with songs like "You're No Good." She's done opera with Pirates of Penzance. She's hit the country charts with Trio, together with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris. She's done big band music and spanish "canciones". This is her lullaby album and her wonderful voice is a perfect fit for this as well as for all of her other ventures.7. Catch the Moon: Lisa Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell
This CD and book combo highlights some gorgeous harmony from two very talented women. Lisa Loeb is a talented artist with a distinctive style of music. She has quite a few hits for someone who isn't yet 40. Elizabeth Mitchell was Lisa's original singing partner and they have a beautiful blend. Elizabeth Mitchell was a part of the group Ida and is a well-known children's artist. The reunion of these two talents will be a hit with all ages.8. Labyrinth Soundtrack by David Bowie
In 1986, Jim Henson made a movie called Labyrinth and David Bowie did the soundtrack for it. The soundtrack is rated highly by Bowie fans and the movie was rated PG, so we can safely assume that the music is fairly safe.