Known as the “First Lady of Children’s Music,” Ella Jenkins has spent more than six decades using music to teach, unite, and empower. With a guitar in hand and a heart full of rhythm, she has inspired generations of children and educators to embrace cultural diversity and find joy in learning. At the International Servant Leaders Museum, Ella Jenkins is celebrated as a servant leader who turned song into service, using her talents to build bridges across race, age, and background.
Who Is Ella Jenkins?
Born on August 6, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Ella Jenkins was shaped by the vibrant music around her—from gospel and blues to Latin rhythms and Jewish folk songs (Jenkins, 1999). After earning a degree in sociology, she began creating educational programs that used music as a tool to connect with children of all backgrounds.
In 1957, she released Call and Response: Rhythmic Group Singing, launching a prolific career with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Jenkins has written and recorded hundreds of songs in multiple languages, teaching children not only about music but also about empathy, culture, and cooperation (Smithsonian Folkways, 2020).
A Voice for Unity and Learning
Ella Jenkins’ music is rooted in the call-and-response tradition, inviting active participation and creating a sense of belonging. Her songs emphasize listening, understanding, and sharing—a servant leader’s approach to education and community-building.
Key Quote:
“I always try to write songs that bring people together. If we can sing together, maybe we can live together too.” — Ella Jenkins
She believes in the power of music to promote peace, tolerance, and unity—and has used her platform to encourage inclusion and respect in classrooms across the world.
A Legacy That Sings On
Ella Jenkins has received numerous honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts. But perhaps her greatest legacy is the millions of young voices she has inspired to sing, learn, and lead with kindness.
At the International Servant Leaders Museum, Ella’s exhibit showcases her albums, original signature, and archival footage of her performances with children from around the globe—capturing the heart of a woman whose life has been a song of service.
Lessons for Today
Ella Jenkins shows us that leadership can be joyful, inclusive, and deeply rooted in service. Her legacy challenges educators, artists, and everyday people to use their gifts—however simple—to bring others together and uplift future generations.
Call to Action
Visit the International Servant Leaders Museum to celebrate Ella Jenkins’ lifelong mission of using music to unite and educate. Listen to her songs, experience her story, and be inspired to serve your community with creativity, compassion, and joy.
References
Jenkins, E. (1999). Ella Jenkins: A life of song and service. Children’s Music Journal.
Smithsonian Folkways. (2020). Ella Jenkins artist profile. Retrieved from https://folkways.si.edu
Written by Jennifer Kropke
Edited by Nina Turk
