The 62nd annual Grammy Awards are just around the corner on Sunday, Jan. 26 and five lucky artists snagged a coveted nomination for their contributions to kid’s music.
The Best Children’s Album category pulls from “soundtracks with at least 51% playing time of new musical or spoken word recording that’s created and intended specifically for children.” Before the big winner’s revealed on Sunday, we break down everything you need to know about these talented performers — including Spotify playlists so you can listen for yourself!
Ageless Songs for the Child Archetype | Jon Samson
Music therapist and songwriter Jon Samson created this collection of 12 relatable songs that’s not just great for kids, but also for adults who want to awaken their inner child. When individuals embrace their inner childlike wonder, it becomes a catalyst for creativity, playfulness, joy, and enchantment for life, Samson explains on his website. The Grammy nominee’s aim was to create an album exploring and embracing the human condition in all stages.
“As a music therapist, being Grammy-nominated for my album about the human condition is beyond humbling,” Samson says. “My songs are intended to spark hope and creativity in all ages.”
Flying High! | Caspar Babypants
Caspar Babypants — also known as Chris Ballew from the Grammy-nominated band The Presidents of the United States of America — delights families with his melodic tunes and catchy lyrics on his 16th record, Flying High! With songs such as “Noodles and Butter,” “Rhymes with Orange,” and “Fly High Bright Firefly,” this soundtrack is sure to enchant little ones.
“I’m totally flying high that my album Flying High! gets to fly so high as to be nominated for a high-flying Grammy,” Ballew says. “Whether I win or lose, it’s a great honor to be able to breathe the rarified air of being a nominee in this category.”
I Love Rainy Days | Daniel Tashian
Grammy-winning producer Daniel Tashian compiles a track list for the whole family with its whimsical sounds, jazz-inspired undertones, and playful tempos. The album, inspired by Tashian’s three young daughters, showcases his artistic capabilities: He produced, wrote, and created the collection. Plus, his daughters — Tigerlily, Matilda, and Tinkerbell — make vocal cameos on a few songs.
“My daughters will say they wrote the songs, but I’m the only one in the house who is actually a professional songwriter, so I’m not saying they aren’t telling the truth, but I leave you to draw your own conclusions,” Tashian says.
The Love | Alphabet Rockers
The intergenerational hip-hop group aims to give its voice to what matters — love, belonging, and gender justice — with its latest soundtrack, The Love. The group welcomes more than 60 guests artists into the studio to sing their original tracks.
“Making this music allowed me to notice my own blind spot,” Alphabet Rockers member Tommy Soulati Shepherd says. “Like everyone, I want to do better. When we understand there are people out there who need our advocacy, we can be culture-keepers. We can change. Alphabet Rockers music is for all people.”
Winterland | The Okee Dokee Brothers
The Grammy-winning group the Okee Dokee Brothers’ latest album, Winterland, features secular winter music to listen to year-round. With 16 original compositions, band members Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing celebrate the spirit of winter and embracing the cycles of life. The album opens with “Blankets of Snow” and continues with various tracks to celebrate winter milestones.
“Winterland was our most-expansive project to date in terms of production breadth, lyrical themes, and variety of sound,” Mailander and Lansing say. “So to see it receive a nomination on this cold Minnesota morning warms us right up! It’s an album that tries to bring hope, light, and humor to the cold and dark times of the year — and of our lives. The songs ask families to try and see the beauty in the cold and remind us to protect our beloved and endangered winters. A Grammy nomination will help spread that message and hopefully encourage families to step outside (even when it’s freezing) and get creative.”
Tune into CBS on Jan. 26 during the award show’s broadcast to find out the music industry’s big winner. In the meantime, listen to these tracks to soothe your little one (or yourself, in all honesty) when they need it most.
