Laurie Berkner: The Voice of Kindie Rock for Children
Laurie Berkner is a French-American musician and singer who has become a cornerstone of modern children's entertainment. Known for her infectious energy and relatable lyrics, Berkner is a leading figure in kindie rock—a genre of independent rock music specifically created for children. Through her lead vocals and acoustic guitar, she has created a musical world that resonates with preschoolers and their parents alike.
Key Facts
- Born: March 15, 1969, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
- Genre: Specializes in children's music and kindie rock.
- Signature Songs: "We Are the Dinosaurs" and "I Know a Chicken."
- Notable Venues: Has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House Easter Egg Roll.
- Business: Founded her own independent label, Two Tomatoes Records, in 1998.
Early Life and Musical Evolution
Berkner grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, where she developed her musical foundation at Princeton High School through choirs, bands, and musical theater. Her formal training continued at Rutgers University, where she toured Europe as an orchestral guitar player and choir soloist.
Before finding her niche in children's music, Berkner pursued a career as a professional rock musician. She performed original music with a band called Red Onion and later joined an all-female cover band named Lois Lane. However, she found traditional songwriting to be a struggle until she began writing for children. Berkner has noted that creating music for kids unlocked a level of creativity she never knew she possessed.
Her transition into the children's market began with intimate birthday party gigs. To build a connection with her young audience, she would arrive early to memorize every child's name, ensuring each performance felt personal and welcoming.
The Rise of The Laurie Berkner Band
In 1997, Berkner released her first album, Whaddaya Think of That?, as a cassette-only project. The album featured original hits like "We Are the Dinosaurs" alongside classic covers. This success led to the 1998 formation of Two Tomatoes Records, her own independent label, used to release her second album, Buzz Buzz.
National recognition arrived with the 1999 album Victor Vito, which earned her a Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award and an appearance on the FX network's American Baby Show. A 2001 appearance on The Today Show further catapulted her popularity, leading to massive public events, including a free Earth Day concert in Central Park attended by 15,000 people.
Band Evolution and Musical Style
The Laurie Berkner Band has seen several lineup changes over the years. While pianist Susie Lampert has been a mainstay, the bass and drum positions have evolved. Brian Mueller, Berkner's husband, was an early member but left in 2006 to separate their professional and personal lives. Subsequent members have included Adam Bernstein, Bob Golden, Grammy nominee Brady Rymer, and Winston Roye.
Musically, Berkner utilizes a specific approach to engage children. Her songs are generally written in a major key and follow what she calls the human tempo—a pace of 100–120 beats per minute, which mimics the natural speed of walking or marching.
Expanding Beyond the Album
Berkner has expanded her brand into television, literature, and digital media. She was a regular performer on the Noggin channel's Jack's Big Music Show and later launched the animated preschool series Sing It, Laurie! on the Sprout channel in 2013.
Her literary contributions include children's books such as Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco and Story of My Feelings, as well as several e-books. In 2018, she partnered with Audible Studios to create the Laurie Berkner Song and Story Kitchen audio series.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Berkner launched "Berkner Break" via Facebook Live. These daily 30-minute sessions provided music and storytelling while encouraging families to practice social distancing and hand-washing.
Career Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Instruments | Acoustic Guitar, Vocals |
| Key Albums | Whaddaya Think of That?, Buzz Buzz, Victor Vito, Rocketship Run |
| TV Appearances | Jack's Big Music Show, Sing It Laurie, The Today Show |
| Notable Awards | Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award |
| Business Ventures | Two Tomatoes Records (Founder) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kindie rock?
Kindie rock is a portmanteau of "kids" and "indie," referring to independent rock music written specifically for children, often avoiding the clichés of traditional nursery rhymes.
What is the "human tempo" Laurie Berkner uses?
The human tempo is a musical pace of 100–120 beats per minute, which Berkner uses because it approximates the natural speed of a human walking or marching, making it intuitive for children.
Which album first brought Laurie Berkner national fame?
The 1999 album Victor Vito brought her national recognition, leading to awards and television appearances.
Has Laurie Berkner written any books?
Yes, she has authored several children's books, including Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco and Story of My Feelings, as well as e-books like Party Day.
What was the "Berkner Break"?
The Berkner Break was a series of live performances on Facebook Live started in March 2020 to provide entertainment and health guidance to families during the COVID-19 pandemic.