Tom Chapin is a gifted entertainer who charms audiences of all ages. He is one of those natural-born entertainers who, with nothing more than guitar in hand, can totally captivate.
Tom has gained widespread critical and popular acclaim for his kids recordings. Tom and his collaborators John Forster, Michael Mark and Jon Cobert have created a body of songs which are quickly becoming children's classics.
This award winning album by Tom Chapin is full of silly and educational songs for children. Several of the tracks feature beautiful vocals from special guest Judy Collins. The musicianship is exceptional and the message of each song is just as well crafted. The songs are about different and often silly daily occurrences that are easy to relate to. The lyrics rhyme and use repetition, which make them easy to sing along to. The Parade Came Marching is a fun introductory tune that will have your child eager to hear more. The tracks vary between slow and upbeat, but they are all easy to listen to for both parent and child.
Your child will want to be involved. The background is often children's voices chiming in and will make your child want to be a part of the music as well. They will learn about the silly mishaps with songs like Uh Oh, Accident, which takes lots of accidents and gives them a lighthearted spin. Big Rock Candy Mountain is a classis that is sure to be an instant favorite, all about a wacky world of candy trees and lemonade springs. Songs like Plenty of Room have a slower pace and can help your child unwind.
When I played Family Tree for my three - year-old friend Teo, he was instantly enchanted by the sounds and thought that some of the goings-on of Uh Oh, Accident were hilarious. He sang along as best as he could and moved to the beat if he could manage.
--Kendall
Tom Chapin is a Grammy Award-winning American musician, entertainer, singer-songwriter and storyteller. He has won the following awards: Parents' Choice Award in 1988 for Family Tree; Moonboat was named notable children's recording by the American Library Association in 1980; Harry Chapin Award for Contributions to Humanity and National Association for Campus Activities in 1990; Parents' Choice Award and New York Music Award for best children's album in 1991 for Mother Earth; and a Parents' Choice Award and New York Music Award for best children's album in 1992 for Billy the Squid.
He is best known for his children's music, but he also writes and performs for adults. Chapin's music borrows elements from a vast range of musical influences, from folk singer Pete Seeger to syncopated rhythms of Latin music, blues, country, and classical music.
Chapin graduated from State University of New York at Plattsburgh. From 1971-1976, he hosted a TV show called Make a Wish. He is the son of Jim Chapin and the brother of Harry Chapin. He has appeared in the Broadway production Pump Boys and Dinettes, among others. He is married to Bonnie Chapin; his daughters and stepdaughter are musicians as well (the Chapin Sisters).