How a struggling rock musician found her rhythm in children's music
In short: Before she was a staple of 'kindie rock,' Laurie Berkner struggled to find her voice in the professional rock scene. It wasn't until she pivoted to songwriting for preschoolers that she unlocked a hidden well of creativity, transforming simple birthday party gigs into a national career.
In the early 1990s, Laurie Berkner was navigating the complexities of the adult rock circuit. After performing in the rock band Red Onion and the all-female cover group Lois Lane, Berkner found the process of songwriting to be a significant struggle. This changed when she began working as a music specialist for daycares and preschools in the New and New York area. She discovered that writing for children actually expanded her creative capacity in ways she hadn't previously experienced. Her musical foundations were built in New Jersey, where she attended Princeton High School and later performed as a soloist and guitarist during her time at Rutgers University.
Her transition to a professional children's artist began in earnest in 1997 with the cassette-only release of 'Whaddaya Think of That?'. Supported by her pupils' parents, her first album included hits such as 'We Are the Dinosaurs' and covers like 'The Cat Came Back.' She launched the independent Two Tomatoes Records in 1998 for later releases, including 'Buzz Buzz.' This early popularity brought nationwide fame, marked by a Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award and slots on FX's American Baby Show.
Berkner's musical style is characterized by a 'human tempo' of 100–120 beats per minute, a pace roughly equivalent to walking or marching. Her career has since expanded from $125 birthday party performances to high-profile stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House Easter Egg Roll. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, she maintained a connection with her audience through daily 'Berkner Breaks' on Facebook Live, using the platform to encourage hygiene and social distancing. Her reach even extended to massive public gatherings, such as a free Earth Day concert in Central Park that drew fifteen thousand attendees. Beyond live music, she has also authored several e-books and children's books, including titles like Candy Cane Jane and Victor Vito.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Laurie Berkner
- Also: Wikidata — Laurie Berkner · CC0
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