Ella Jenkins
Encyclopedia
Ella Jenkins is an American
folk
singer. Dubbed “The First Lady of the Children’s Folk Song” by the Wisconsin State Journal
, Jenkins has been a leading performer of children’s music for fifty years.
and grew up in predominantly lower middle-class neighborhoods in the south side of Chicago
. Although she received no formal musical training, she benefited from her rich musical surroundings. Her brother brought home Boy Scout songs, and her Uncle Flood introduced her to the harmonica and the blues of such renowned musicians as T-Bone 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 children’s rhythms, rhymes and games. As neighborhood churches broadcast their services onto the street, Gospel music was a part of her soundscape. 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
. While attending Wilson Junior College, she became interested in the music of other cultures through her Mexican, Cuban and Puerto Rican friends. In 1951, she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology with minors in Child Psychology and Recreation from San Francisco State University
. She began writing songs for children while working in recreation centers and as a song leader for camp groups.
in 1952. While working at the YWCA, she was invited to perform on the Chicago public television show, The Totem Club. She was soon offered a regular job as the host of its Thursday program, which she entitled This is Rhythm. She invited guests from diverse cultures to share their music’s rhythms on her show.
In 1956, Jenkins decided to become a full-time freelance musician, a vocation she has pursued for over 50 years. She began her career as a children’s musician touring school assemblies in the United States, often sleeping in a different place each night and encountering racial discrimination. As she performed in more varied venues, she began to write music about her experiences. Later that year, a friend recommended that she bring a demo tape to Moses Asch
, the founder of Folkways Records
. Asch was receptive to her music and in 1957, Jenkins' first album, Call-And-Response: Rhythmic Group Singing, was released by Folkways. Since then, she has recorded 29 other albums for Folkways Records and, more recently, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings including the popular You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song
. She has not only been an important force in children’s lives, but also has taught her approach to working with children to parents and fellow music educators. She has participated in many conferences on music education, and has offered workshops for music educators, parents, and caregivers all over the world.
As a performer and educator, Jenkins has traveled extensively, performing her songs on all seven continents (even Antarctica). As she travels, she not only shares her music and experiences but also learns about the cultures of the people she is visiting, taking with her musical traditions and language that she then shares with her audiences. She has also made television appearances on shows including NBC’s Today Show, CNN's Showbiz Today, and PBS
programs such as Barney and Friends, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
, The Me Too Show, Look at Me, and in films shown on Sesame Street
. She performed at America’s Reunion on the Mall in 1993, America’s Millennium Celebration in 2000, and at Smithsonian’s 150th Birthday Party on the Mall in Washington, DC in 1996. In collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
, she has acted as a U.S. delegate to Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China, and the former Soviet Union.
As a recording artist, Jenkins has gained extensive recognition. Her recordings have received Parents’ Choice awards and Grammy nominations in the category of Best Musical Album for Children. In 2004, she was recognized with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
.
Her repertoire includes nursery rhymes, holiday songs, bilingual songs, African-American folk songs, international songs, rhythmic chants, and original songs. Drawing from cultures all over the world, Jenkins sings in many languages, exposing her audiences to diverse cultures and promoting greater cultural awareness.
Through her style of call-and-response singing, Jenkins promotes group participation. Found in cultures worldwide, from Greece to the Middle East to West Africa, call-and-response singing involves a leader or leaders singing a phrase and the rest of the participants commenting or responding with another phrase. Using this technique, she breaks the barrier between audience and performer, and turns everyone into a performer. By encouraging active participation, she promotes the development of a warm group feeling, cooperation among the participants, greater attentiveness, an enjoyment of singing, and a desire to sing. She also encourages children to lead songs, make up their own variations of songs, and experiment with fun and silly sounds. This allows children to think independently, develop leadership skills, and improvise, resulting in increased self-confidence.
and participate in its creation, Jenkins provides them with a new tool of communication that they can use and enjoy for the rest of their lives.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
singer. Dubbed “The First Lady of the Children’s Folk Song” by the Wisconsin State Journal
Wisconsin State Journal
The Wisconsin State Journal is a daily newspaper published in Madison, Wisconsin by Lee Enterprises. The newspaper, the second largest in Wisconsin, is primarily distributed in a 19 county region in south-central Wisconsin...
, Jenkins has been a leading performer of children’s music for fifty years.
Family and personal life
Ella Jenkins was born in St. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
and grew up in predominantly lower middle-class neighborhoods in the south side of Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. Although she received no formal musical training, she benefited from her rich musical surroundings. Her brother brought home Boy Scout songs, and her Uncle Flood introduced her to the harmonica and the blues of such renowned musicians as T-Bone Walker
T-Bone Walker
Aaron Thibeaux "T-Bone" Walker was a critically acclaimed American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who was one of the most influential pioneers and innovators of the jump blues and electric blues sound. He is the first musician recorded playing blues with the...
, Memphis Slim
Memphis Slim
Memphis Slim was an American blues pianist, singer, and composer. He led a series of bands that, reflecting the popular appeal of jump blues, included saxophones, bass, drums, and piano. A song he first cut in 1947, "Every Day I Have the Blues", has become a blues standard, recorded by many other...
and Big Bill Broonzy
Big Bill Broonzy
Big Bill Broonzy was a prolific American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. His career began in the 1920s when he played country blues to mostly black audiences. Through the ‘30s and ‘40s he successfully navigated a transition in style to a more urban blues sound popular with white audiences...
. Her family frequently moved around the south side and, as she moved to different neighborhoods, she learned new children’s rhythms, rhymes and games. As neighborhood churches broadcast their services onto the street, Gospel music was a part of her soundscape. She also enjoyed tap dancing lessons at the local theater and was able to go to the Regal Theater
Regal Theater, South Side (Chicago)
The Regal Theater, located in the heart of Bronzeville, was an important night club and music venue in Chicago.Part of the Balaban and Katz chain, the lavishly decorated venue, with plush carpeting and velvet drapes featured some of the most celebrated black entertainers in America.The Regal also...
to see such performers as Cab Calloway
Cab Calloway
Cabell "Cab" Calloway III was an American jazz singer and bandleader. He was strongly associated with the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York City where he was a regular performer....
, Count Basie
Count Basie
William "Count" Basie was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. Basie led his jazz orchestra almost continuously for nearly 50 years...
, and Peg Leg Bates
Peg Leg Bates
Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates was an Afro-American entertainer from Fountain Inn, South Carolina.Bates lost a leg at the age of 12 in a cotton gin accident. He subsequently taught himself to tap dance with a wooden peg leg...
. While attending Wilson Junior College, she became interested in the music of other cultures through her Mexican, Cuban and Puerto Rican friends. In 1951, she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology with minors in Child Psychology and Recreation from San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University is a public university located in San Francisco, California. As part of the 23-campus California State University system, the university offers over 100 areas of study from nine academic colleges...
. She began writing songs for children while working in recreation centers and as a song leader for camp groups.
Career
After graduating from San Francisco State University, Jenkins moved back to Chicago and was hired as a Teenage Program Director for the YWCAYWCA
The YWCA USA is the United States branch of a women's membership movement that strives to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision—to eliminate racism and empower women. The YWCA is a non-profit organization, the first of which was founded in...
in 1952. While working at the YWCA, she was invited to perform on the Chicago public television show, The Totem Club. She was soon offered a regular job as the host of its Thursday program, which she entitled This is Rhythm. She invited guests from diverse cultures to share their music’s rhythms on her show.
In 1956, Jenkins decided to become a full-time freelance musician, a vocation she has pursued for over 50 years. She began her career as a children’s musician touring school assemblies in the United States, often sleeping in a different place each night and encountering racial discrimination. As she performed in more varied venues, she began to write music about her experiences. Later that year, a friend recommended that she bring a demo tape to Moses Asch
Moses Asch
Moses Asch was the founder of Folkways Records. Asch ran the label from 1948 until his death...
, the founder of Folkways Records
Folkways Records
Folkways Records was a record label founded by Moses Asch that documented folk, world, and children's music. It was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution in 1987, and is now part of Smithsonian Folkways.-History:...
. Asch was receptive to her music and in 1957, Jenkins' first album, Call-And-Response: Rhythmic Group Singing, was released by Folkways. Since then, she has recorded 29 other albums for Folkways Records and, more recently, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings including the popular You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song
You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song
You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song is an album by folk singer Ella Jenkins. She is joined by members of the Urban Gateways Children's Chorus...
. She has not only been an important force in children’s lives, but also has taught her approach to working with children to parents and fellow music educators. She has participated in many conferences on music education, and has offered workshops for music educators, parents, and caregivers all over the world.
As a performer and educator, Jenkins has traveled extensively, performing her songs on all seven continents (even Antarctica). As she travels, she not only shares her music and experiences but also learns about the cultures of the people she is visiting, taking with her musical traditions and language that she then shares with her audiences. She has also made television appearances on shows including NBC’s Today Show, CNN's Showbiz Today, and PBS
Public Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
programs such as Barney and Friends, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, also known as Mister Rogers, is an American children's television series that was created and hosted by Fred Rogers. The series is aimed primarily at preschool ages, 2-5, but has been stated by Public Broadcasting Service as "appropriate for all ages"...
, The Me Too Show, Look at Me, and in films shown on Sesame Street
Sesame Street
Sesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
. She performed at America’s Reunion on the Mall in 1993, America’s Millennium Celebration in 2000, and at Smithsonian’s 150th Birthday Party on the Mall in Washington, DC in 1996. In collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a performing arts center located on the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C...
, she has acted as a U.S. delegate to Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China, and the former Soviet Union.
As a recording artist, Jenkins has gained extensive recognition. Her recordings have received Parents’ Choice awards and Grammy nominations in the category of Best Musical Album for Children. In 2004, she was recognized with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded by the Recording Academy to "performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording."...
.
As an educator
Jenkins' favorite people are children. She sees them as genuine, down to earth people who should be listened to and recognized as having much to offer. Fellow music educator, Patricia Sheehan Campbell, lauds Jenkins as “a pioneer in her early and continuing realization that children have something to sing about, that the essence of who they are may be expressed through song, and that much of what they need to know of their language, heritage, and current cultural concepts may be communicated to them through song.” Through her songs, she hopes to develop greater intercultural understanding and rhythmic-consciousness, and to help people discover the joy of singing and communicating through active participation in songs.Her repertoire includes nursery rhymes, holiday songs, bilingual songs, African-American folk songs, international songs, rhythmic chants, and original songs. Drawing from cultures all over the world, Jenkins sings in many languages, exposing her audiences to diverse cultures and promoting greater cultural awareness.
Through her style of call-and-response singing, Jenkins promotes group participation. Found in cultures worldwide, from Greece to the Middle East to West Africa, call-and-response singing involves a leader or leaders singing a phrase and the rest of the participants commenting or responding with another phrase. Using this technique, she breaks the barrier between audience and performer, and turns everyone into a performer. By encouraging active participation, she promotes the development of a warm group feeling, cooperation among the participants, greater attentiveness, an enjoyment of singing, and a desire to sing. She also encourages children to lead songs, make up their own variations of songs, and experiment with fun and silly sounds. This allows children to think independently, develop leadership skills, and improvise, resulting in increased self-confidence.
and participate in its creation, Jenkins provides them with a new tool of communication that they can use and enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Awards
- Fellow Award in Music from United States ArtistsUnited States ArtistsUnited States Artists is an independent nonprofit and nongovernmental philanthropic organization based in Los Angeles, California and dedicated to supporting the work of living American artists by the granting of cash awards, called USA Fellowships...
. (2009)
- Grammy Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2004)
- Grammy Nomination for Best Musical Album for Children for Sharing Cultures with Ella Jenkins (2005)
- Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children for cELLAbration: A Tribute to Ella Jenkins (2005)
- Grammy Nomination for Best Musical Album for Children for Ella Jenkins and a Union of Friends Pulling Together (2000)
- Grammy Nomination for Best Musical Album for Children for Ella Jenkins and a Union of Friends (1999)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and PublishersAmerican Society of Composers, Authors, and PublishersThe American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers is an American not-for-profit performance-rights organization that protects its members' musical copyrights by monitoring public performances of their music, whether via a broadcast or live performance, and compensating them...
Foundation (First recipient in the field of Children's Music and the first woman selected for the honor) (1999) - Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from the Erikson InstituteErikson InstituteErikson Institute is a graduate school in child development located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. It is named for the noted psychoanalyst and developmental psychologist, Erik Erikson.-History and mission:...
(2004) - Award from the Music Educators National ConferenceMENC: The National Association for Music EducationMENC: The National Association for Music Education is an organization of American music educators dedicated to advancing and preserving music education and as part of the core curriculum of schools in the United States...
“in appreciation of her support for music education and the National Association for Music Education” (2000) - Inducted into the San Francisco State University Alumni Hall of Fame (2004)
- Voted 2005 Chicagoan of the year by Chicago Magazine
Discography
- 1957: Call-and-Response Rhythmic Group Singing http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2076 (1990) Reissue of FW7638 from 1957. SFW45030 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1959: Adventures in Rhythm http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2106 (1989) Reissue of FW7682 from 1959. SFW45007 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1960: African-American Folk Rhythms http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2062 (1998) Reissue of Negro Folk Rhythms FW7654 from 1960. SFW45003 (Cassette, CD).
- 1961: This-a-Way-That-a-Way http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2104 (1989) Reissue of FW7652 from 1961. SFW45002 (Cassette, CD).
- 1961: This is Rhythm http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2075 (1994) Reissue of FW7652 from 1961. SFW45028 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1964: Rhythm & Game Songs for Little Ones http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2074 (1991) Reissue of FW7680 from 1964. SFW45027 (Cassette, CD).
- 1964: Songs and Rhythms From Near and Far http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2063 (1997) Reissue of FW7655 from 1964. SFW45033 (Cassette, CD).
- 1966: You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a SongYou’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a SongYou’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song is an album by folk singer Ella Jenkins. She is joined by members of the Urban Gateways Children's Chorus...
http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2065 (1989) Reissue of FW7664 from 1966. SFW45010 (LP, Cassette, CD). - 1968: Play Your Instruments & Make a Pretty Sound http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2109 (1994) Reissue of FW7665 from 1968. SFW45018 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1969: Counting Games & Rhythms for the Little Ones http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2114 (1990) Reissue of FW7679 from 1969. SFW45029 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1969: A Long Time to Freedom http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=1386 (1992) Reissue of FW7754 from 1969. SFW45034 (Cassette, CD).
- 1970: Rhythms of Childhood http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2107 (1989) Reissue of FW7653 from 1963. SFW45008 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1970: Seasons for Singing http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2077 (1990) Reissue of FW7656 from 1970. SFW45031 (Cassette, CD).
- 1971: And One And Two & Other Songs for Pre-School and Primary Children http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2068 (1990) Reissue of FW7544 from 1971. SFW45016 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1971: My Street Begins at My House http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2105 (1989) Reissue of FW7543 from 1971. SFW45005 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1972: Little Johnny Brown http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2073 (1990) Reissue FW7631 from 1972. SFW45026 (Cassette, CD).
- 1974: Nursery Rhymes: Rhyming & Remembering for Young Children & for Older Girls & Boys with Special Language Needs http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2070 (1990) Reissue of FW7660 from 1974. SFW45019 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1974: Jambo and Other Call and Response Songs and Chants http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2069 (1996) Reissue of FW7661 from 1974. SFW 45017 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1976: Growing Up With Ella Jenkins http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2078 (1990) Reissue of FW7662 from 1976. SFW45032 (Cassette, CD).
- 1977: Songs, Rhythms And Chants for the Dance http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2063 (2000) Reissue of FW7000AB from 1977. SFW45004 (Cassette, CD).
- 1979: Travellin' with Ella Jenkins: - A Bilingual Journey http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2108 (1989) Reissue of FW7640 from 1979. SFW45009 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1981: I Know the Colors of the Rainbow http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3135 (1981) EA595 (CD).
- 1981: Looking Back and Looking Forward http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3132 (1981) EA596 (CD).
- 1982: Early Early Childhood Songs http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2388 (1996) Reissue of FW7630 from 1982. SFW45015 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1983: Hopping Around from Place to Place Vol. 1 http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3133 (1983) EA613 (CD).
- 1983: Hopping Around from Place to Place Vol. 2 http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3134 (1983) EA614 (CD).
- 1989: This-a-Way,This-a-Way" http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2104 (1988) SFW45002 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1989: My Street Begins at my House http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2105 (1989) SFW45005 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1989: Adventure in Rhythm http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2106 (1989) SFW45007 (LP, Cassette,CD).
- 1989: Rhythm of Childhood http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2107 (1989) SFW45008 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1989: Travellin' with Ella Jenkins:A Biligual Journey http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2108 (1989) SFW45009 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1989: You'll Sing a Song, I'll Sing a Song http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2065 (1989) SFW45010 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1990: We Are America's Children http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2064 (1990) Reissue of FW7666. SFW45006 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1990: And One and Two http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2068 (1990) SFW45016 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1990: Nursery Rhymes: Rhyming & Remembering for Young Children & for Older Girls & Boys with Special Language Needs http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2070 (1990) SFW45019 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1990: Counting Games and Rhythms For the Little Ones http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2114 (1990) SFW45029 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1990: Call and Response http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2076 (1990) SFW45030 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1990: Seasons for Singing http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2077 (1990) SFW45031 (Cassette, CD).
- 1991: Live at the Smithsonian http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2976 (1991) SFW48001 (VHS, DVD).
- 1991: For the Family http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2975 (1991) SFW48002 (VHS, DVD).
- 1991: Little Johnny Brown with Ella Jenkins and Girls and Boys from "Uptown" ( Chicago) http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2073 (1991) SFW45026 (Cassette, CD).
- 1991: Rhythm and Game Songs for the Little Ones http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2074 (1991) SFW45027 (Cassette, CD).
- 1992: Come Dance by the Ocean http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2233 (1992) SFW45014 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1992: A Long Time to Freedom http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=1386 (1992) SFW45034 (Cassette, CD).
- 1994: Play Your Instruments and Make a Pretty Sound http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2109 (1994) SFW45018 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1994: This is Rhythm http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2075 (1994) SFW45028 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1995: Multi-Cultural Children's Songs http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2368 (1995) SFW45045 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1996: Early Early Childhood Songs http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2388 (1996) SFW45015 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1996: Jambo and Other Call and Response Songs and Chants http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2069 (1996) SFW45017 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 1996: Holiday Times http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2389 (1996) SFW45041 (Cassette, CD).
- 1996: Songs Children Love To Sing http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2390 (1996) SFW45042 (Cassette, CD).
- 1997: Songs and Rhythms from Near and Far http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=1355 (1997) SFW45033 (Cassette, CD).
- 1999: Ella Jenkins and A Union of Friends Pulling Together http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2656 (1999) SFW45046 (LP, Cassette, CD).
- 2000: Song Rhythms and Chants for the Dance with Ella Jenkins ; Interviews with "Dance People" http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2063 (2000) SFW45004 (Cassete, CD).
- 2003: Sharing Cultures With Ella Jenkins http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2998 (2003) SFW45058 (CD).
- 2004: cELLAbration: A Tribute to Ella Jenkins http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3028 (2004) SFW45059 (CD).
- 2011: A Life of Song http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3326 (2011) SFW45067 (CD)
Filmography
- 1991: Ella Jenkins Live at the Smithsonian http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2976 (1991) SFW48001 (VHS, DVD).
- 1991: For the Family! http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=2975 (1991) SFW48002 (VHS, DVD).
- 2007: cELLAbration Live! A Tribute to Ella Jenkins http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3200 (2007) SFW48007 (DVD).