kids music -johnny cash

Released in 1975, on The Johnny Cash Children's Album this is how you sing ABCD.... ah bos cee dah...genius. You know Johnny isn't going to sing any wiggles-whiny kid's songs, just thoughtful originals or folk songs including; One and One Makes Two, Dinosaur Song, There's a Bear in the Woods, The Timber Man, Old Shep and an early version of Nasty Dan (later version with Oscar as below). Highly recommended.

bookshelf -the giving tree

Had not read this chidren's book until recently. Bittersweet to put it mildly, a story of unconditional love at the least and environmental warnings too. Probably tougher for the parents than the kids who just go along with the spare and pleasing illustrations.

The author and illustrator Shel Silverstein was quite a character and though a decade now since he passed away (May 10th 1999) The Giving Tree and his other books are full of real emotion. BTW he looks harder than a coffin nail too... not your typical children's writer. His other stealth claim to fame is penning the words to A Boy Named Sue for Johnny Cash. (Did you know Shel also penned a follow-up called Father of a Boy Named Sue? Now you do.)

pete seeger

M gave me a 3 disc Johnny Cash Show chock full of great performances, a huge range of guests, including some nice back and forth with Pete Seeger here. Was reminded today that Seeger was also part of the worldwide transferal of the song We Shall Overcome... great documentary on its transformation from spiritual to civil liberties rallying-call here.

Been on a bit of a Seeger kick the last year. Play. Was perfect timing for the inauguration...