Record Store Day: 8 Albums for Vinyl Loving Kids (and parents!)

Happy Record Store Day!

First off, what IS record store day?? The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008. Record Store Day celebrates independently-owned brick-and-mortar record stores around the world. In an age where digital music is extremely accessible, vinyl celebrates the culture of music. It helps make an event out of listening, and makes the music and experience more tangible! Also, there's nothing like hearing the warm, crackle of a turn table spinning your record 😎

As parents, we all know how challenging it can be to find the right albums to introduce our kids to music. It's important to strike a balance between finding music that's age-appropriate, educational, and fun for our little ones, while also being something we can enjoy as parents!

On this Record Store Day, let's share the magic of vinyl with our little ones and introduce them to some classic albums that they'll love for years to come.

Here are 8 albums you and your kids will love!:

1. Ella Jenkins - I’ll Sing A Song And You’ll Sing A Song

A calming and interactive album for children that teaches them traditional and original songs while incorporating multicultural rhythms. With her warm voice and ukulele, Jenkins engages young listeners on classics like the title track and "Miss Mary Mack."

2. The Johnny Cash Children’s Album

The Man in Black released this album in 1975, offering 11 tracks of fun, family-friendly songs with straightforward lyrics that kids will love. With a mix of original songs and covers, Cash's smooth bass-baritone voice and simple storytelling shines through on tracks like "Nasty Dan," "One and One Makes Two," and songs about animals and a dinosaur.

3. Donovan - Sunshine Superman

Donovan’s third album, Sunshine Superman, was released in 1966 and became a defining album of the era’s psychedelic sound. The title track, “Sunshine Superman,” is a trippy and upbeat song that showcases Donovan’s unique blend of folk, rock, and pop. “Season of the Witch” has a haunting guitar riff that will get stuck in your head for days. While not specifically a children’s album, Sunshine Superman’s colorful sound and imaginative lyrics make it a great album for kids to listen to.

4. Chuck Berry - Chuck… Berry Is On Top

Released in 1959, Chuck Berry is on top is one of Berry’s best-selling albums and features classic hits like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” and “Roll Over Beethoven.” Berry’s lively guitar playing and catchy lyrics make this album a great choice for kids who love to dance and sing along. While some of the themes in Berry’s music may be a bit mature for younger listeners, the energy and excitement of the music is sure to captivate them.

5. Harry Belafonte - Calypso

Harry Belafonte’s 1956 album Calypso was a landmark release that helped to popularize Caribbean music in the United States. The album includes the hit song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” which has become a beloved classic for children and adults alike. Belafonte’s smooth vocals and the lively rhythms of the music are infectious and will have kids singing and dancing along in no time.

6. Buddy Holly - Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly’s self-titled album, released in 1958, is a classic of rock and roll. The album includes hits like “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” and “Everyday.” Holly’s upbeat music and catchy lyrics make this album a great choice for kids who love to bop around and sing along. Holly’s influence on popular music cannot be overstated, and this album is a perfect introduction to his unique sound.

7. Jonathan Richman - Jonathan Sings!

Jonathan Richman’s 1983 album, Jonathan sings!, is a charming collection of acoustic songs that are perfect for kids. Richman’s unique voice and simple guitar playing make for a relaxing and enjoyable listening experience. The album includes covers of classic songs like “The Wheels on the Bus” and “I’m a Little Dinosaur,” as well as original tunes like “Ice Cream Man” and “Hey There Little Insect.” Jonathan sings! is a great album for quiet afternoons and lazy weekends.

8. The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is a masterpiece of popular music that has endured for over 50 years. The album’s colorful sound and imaginative lyrics are sure to captivate young listeners. Songs like “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “A Day in the Life,” and “With a Little Help from My Friends” are classics that will be enjoyed by kids and parents alike. Sgt. Pepper’s is a great way to introduce kids to the music of the Beatles and the art of the concept album.

These are just a few of many great choices for kids and parents alike! And remember, Record Store Day is a day that celebrates buying local :) Please support your local music businesses to keep music thriving! Learn more about Record Store Day HERE!