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For press inquiries please contact Elizabeth Waldman at Waldmania PR
Phone: 
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elizabeth@waldmaniapr.com

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WINNER 2023 NAPPA AWARD for Let's All Sing! Evaluation comments: “Susie Tallman won me over from the get-go when she revealed that the concept behind Let’s All Sing focused on songs that she sang with her family – particularly her father. As someone who sang songs a lot with my daughter, I was instantly drawn into the music here, especially since many of the tunes are ones that were favorites in my household (“Liza Jane,” “The Crawdad Song,” “King Kong Kitchie” and “Little Red Caboose”). Maybe “Catch A Falling Star,” “Over The River And Through The Woods”, and “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” were favorites in your family. It doesn’t much matter because Tallman does a great job at interpreting these songs and keeping them fresh and fun. Furthermore, her originals (“Garden of Sounds,” Pizza Pasta Opera,” and “Gotta Give Love”) fit in easily with the album’s upbeat mood. She also welcomes several family music world guest stars (Suzi Shelton, Scott Durbin, Brady Rymer, and Vivian Fang Liu) with G Kobiana Nakigan really standing out on the call-and-response tune, “Che Che Koolay (Kye Kye Kule),” that concludes the album.” Suggested Retail: $9.99 For Ages: 0-8 https://www.susietallman.com instagram.com/susietallmanmusic facebook.com/susietallmanandfriends pinterest.com/susietallmanmusic #susietallmanmusic #kidsmusic #childrensongs #kindieartist https://www.nappaawards.com/product/lets-all-sing/

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Interview on Benny Asking People Questions
Podcast. November 6, 2023

As Children’s performers. We often put our hearts and souls into the notion of being child inclusive. It's something we all strive for, but then occasionally, someone comes along which reminds us of what it actually really means. What it means to put children front and centre of what you do. This does not measn Lyrically or musically but physically, realising that the music you create needs to have children literally reflected back at them.

Todays guest acknowledged this right form the start of her career and has held true to this notion every since. The work slips and slides between standards, new work, listening moments and pure joy as she truly leans in on the notion, to be WITH the children, not in front.

I give you Susie Tallman


November 6, 2023
On Apple or Spotify Podcasts

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Winner National Parenting Center Award

Winner NAPPA Award

TAKE EFFECT June 8, 2024 Review

Let’s All Sing Rock Me Baby, 2023 8/10 Listen to Let’s All Sing This 10th album from the award winning Susie Tallman brings in plenty of guests for both traditionals and originals that are a whole lot of fun. The upbeat and pop friendly “Garden Of Sounds” enlists Greg O’Connor for the playful talking and singing, and “The Crawdad Song” follows with Scott Durbin for the swampy, country energy that you could and should dance to. In the middle, “Gotta Give Love” offers a summery and dreamy ‘80s appeal that benefits from Suzi Shelton, while the cozy guitar and Tallman’s flowing voice makes the Americana tinted “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” one of the album’s best, and it welcomes Michael Reilly Burke. Landing near the end, the gorgeous “Peace Like A River” is incredibly calming and takes help from Bianca Sings, and “Che Che Koolay” exits with G. Kobiana Nakigan in attendance for the cultured, percussively strong and meticulous finish. A listen that puts a charming twist on songs we’re all familiar with, plus plenty of enjoyable tunes of her own, Tallman and company create a listen that’s geared for the entire family and it appropriate whenever a good time is necessary.

WINNER 2023 National Parenting Center AWARD for Let's All Sing! Evaluation comments: “Let’s All Sing” by Susie Tallman and Friends is a musical gem that offers a unique and delightful experience for kids and their families. Testers found it to be a breath of fresh air in a world filled with cookie-cutter children’s music. Susie Tallman’s musical journey on this CD is a captivating blend of original and traditional songs. The album opens with “Garden Sounds,” a track that immediately grabs your attention with its eclectic mix of instruments and unique keys. This diversity in sound and genre keeps the listening experience engaging and showcases Susie’s versatility as a musician. One remarkable feature of this CD is its ability to seamlessly transition between musical styles. From the operatic flair of “Pizza Pasta Opera” to the heartfelt rendition of “This Land is Your Land,” Susie Tallman and Friends showcase their musical prowess and the effort that went into the production. The mix of various instruments and kids’ vocals adds to the album’s charm. What sets “Let’s All Sing” apart is its ability to create a vibrant and upbeat mood. The fun lyrics and diverse music styles make it an ideal companion for car trips, keeping kids engaged and entertained. The bold and artistic cover art, featuring quirky animals, sets the stage for what’s to come. Importantly, this CD doesn’t cater exclusively to a juvenile audience, making it a refreshing departure from the usual kiddie tunes. “Let’s All Sing” offers a unique musical journey that’s both entertaining and educational, making it a valuable addition to any family’s music collection. Recommended Age: 2-6 Price: $ 9.99

CANVAS REBEL 2023 Susie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you? Every project I have worked on has been meaningful in different ways. Music has been an opportunity for me to do something I love and hopefully something that can bring people together. However, if I had to name one project it would be my album called “Let’s Go! Travel, Camp & Car Songs” because I sang almost all of these songs on a regular basis with my grandparents and parents in my childhood. I wanted the album to reflect the experiences I had as a child singing on camping trips. When I was putting together the song list, my mom got my grandfather’s old music books from Yosemite National Park out (he led campfires there as he was a park ranger) and we went through them and read his notes and decided which songs to include by sitting around, mom on guitar and me on the piano. Naturally, having a wonderful time singing and reminiscing will be forever treasured. My latest album, “Let’s All Sing” has just been completed and it was also an absolute joy to create. This time I was able to collaborate with some of my favorite children’s musicians including Scott K Durbin from The Imagination Movers, Suzi Shelton and Vivian Fang Liu along with my very good friend Greg O’Connor who co-wrote, performed and produced with me. This album consists of 16 tracks of original and traditional songs, many of which I sang with my family as a child. Singing with friends and being in the studio with other musicians is always special so having the opportunity to create music and make memories is always going to be very meaningful. Susie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do? I had been singing and performing professionally for many years when I discovered my business calling while at a friend’s baby shower. I was holding two babies for a picture opportunity and the babies were growing fussy. When their fussiness escalated to all-out crying, I began to sing to them and as if on cue, both babies quietly turned to watch and listen. The other party attendants (particularly the babies’ mothers) were surprised. “You should record a CD for babies,” they all agreed. I did exactly that and Rock Me Baby Records was born. Prior to starting Rock Me Baby Records I graduated from UCLA with a vocal performance degree and was given many wonderful singing opportunities through the university including soloing the National Anthem at UCLA football games and traveling to Australia with the UCLA chamber singers to sing at the Sydney Opera House. I graduated university wanting to continue be around musicians, so I got a job at A&M Records where I had the opportunity to work with artists like Cheap Trick, Tracy Chapman, A Very Special Christmas albums and so many more. I left A&M Records with Jimmy Iovine and a few others to help start Interscope Records. In the process, I learned the business side of music. Being at the front end of Interscope Records provided me with the background I needed to later start my own record label, Rock Me Baby Records. I now have recorded 11 studio albums and a DVD of many of my music videos. My music ranges from traditional lullabies, nursery rhymes and children’s songs to original songs that I’m hoping become part of the family collection. I try my very best to make joyful music that makes kids and their parents want to sing together. Music is a creative process, and its development depends on the willingness of artists to tap into their creativity, believe in themselves, and try something new and maybe unconventional. As far as what I am most proud of in my music, the answer is seeing the smile on a child’s face singing along to my music. When they look at their parents or grandparents singing or proudly holding up a puppet, that is motivation enough. How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives? Without creators and innovators, society stays stuck. Art, in any form, gives us the opportunity to take pause and reflect, whether it be a sculpture or piece of music. If we don’t want to stay frozen in time, we need to ensure that the creative minds of our time are given an open platform to express themselves. I think it is paramount for people who have been in the music business for a long time, to inspire and help support the younger generation of creators in any way we can. What I can teach them comes from years of experience. What they can teach me is a fresh new outlook on the world today. What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience? The joy of making music, of being in the studio recording, will never get old for me. This is the part of the process where I am the happiest. However, the most rewarding part of being a children’s music artist, is knowing that I am bringing much of the same music that I enjoyed as a child, and the same music I shared with my own children when they were little, into other young children’s lives as well. Whether its one of my music videos on YouTube or a live concert, it just makes me delighted to know that there is a kid, somewhere in the world, singing to one of my songs with me! Contact Info: Website: https://www.susietallman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susietallmanmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susietallmanandfriends/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=susie+tallman

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MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW  October 2023
Let's All Sing! is a joyous album especially ideal for children from infancy through age eight and their families. Beloved children's musician Susie Tallman invited several of her friends to collaborate in this joyous medley of classic tunes with a sprinkling of original songs. Let's All Sing! is highly recommended for family, school, and public library children's music collections.

http://midwestbookreview.com/cbw/oct_23.htm#musiccd

Interview on Kindie Rockstars Podcast
Oct 26, 2023
On Apple or Spotify Podcasts

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MEDIUM INTERVIEW 2023 As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Susie Tallman. Susie Tallman is an award-winning children’s artist and her tenth album, Let’s All Sing! is set for release on November 3, 2023. With a B.A. in vocal performance from UCLA in her hip pocket, Susie Tallman secured a job in the music business at A&M Studios with renowned producer Jimmy Iovine. She subsequently moved with Jimmy to start Interscope Records as one of its founding employees. While at Interscope, Susie production-coordinated albums for Tracy Chapman, Robin Zander, Tom Jones, NIN, and A Very Special Christmas, as well as singing backup on records by Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love, and Cheap Trick. Yearning to live and study abroad, Susie traveled to Paris for advanced vocal training, where she sang with the Choeur International and the American Chorus. Her next move found her studying classical voice at the New England Conservatory of Music and working at the extraordinary indie label Q Division Records. Susie’s many performance credits include such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Rose Bowl, the Los Angeles Forum, and Pauley Pavilion. Her studio work includes commercials for Taco Bell, Coca-Cola, and the movie Beaches. Several PBS stations around the US play short versions of Susie’s videos as interstitials between kids’ shows. Susie’s love of choral singing led her to perform with the New Mexico Symphony Chorus and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. In San Francisco, Susie sang under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas on the Symphony’s legendary recording of three works by Igor Stravinsky, which won what the Los Angeles Times called “a classical Grammy triple-whammy” in 2000. Now living with her family in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Susie is busy raising three children, two dogs, thirteen chickens and 150,000 bees while recording, teaching, and singing in the choral group Coro Lux. Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up? Thank you for having me today. I grew up in Riverside, California, outside of Los Angeles in a musical family that spanned three generations. My grandparents, great aunt and parents were always at the piano, so we spent a lot of time singing together for fun. We also spent a lot of time outdoors, camping and hiking as well as quite a bit of time at our local church, so pretty much all our activities included family time and singing — whether it was around a campfire or in a choir loft. What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin? Music brings happiness, to yourself and others. It is a unifying force. To me, a career in music was an opportunity to do something I loved that would make the world a brighter place and something that would bring people together. So, I went to UCLA to study music. While at UCLA, I had some great singing opportunities such as soloing the National Anthem at UCLA football games and traveling to Australia with the UCLA chamber singers to sing at the Sydney Opera House. I graduated university wanting to continue be around musicians, so I got a job at A&M Records where I had the opportunity to work with artists like Cheap Trick, Tracy Chapman, A Very Special Christmas albums and so many more. I left A&M Records with Jimmy Iovine and a few others to help start Interscope Records. In the process, I learned the business side of music. Being at the front end of Interscope Records provided me with the background I needed to later start my own record label, Rock Me Baby Records. Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career? It is hard to answer that question because I have had so many. One of the best experiences I’ve had was touring with the great Tom Jones. I was Tom’s project manager, and I was able to go to England, Russia, Germany and many other places with Tom. One year Tom was the host of the MTV Awards in Europe, and the entire trip was surreal from the makeshift venue at The Brandenburg Gates to dancing the night before the awards with the musician Robbie Williams who wasn’t yet famous in the United States. Finally, the next day was the award ceremony and afterwards a few of us went to a tiny club in Berlin and saw Prince perform a three-hour show and I got to sit next to Elton John. An amazing weekend to say the least. It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that? Mistakes can be wonderful teachers and I have made my share. Not sure if these mistakes are funny and I surely didn’t laugh at the time but, when I was working at Interscope Records as a project manager I sent the entire US radio market a Nine Inch Nails song for radio airplay, cleared by the artist, and it was the wrong version. Unfortunately, I had to go back and re-send the corrected version that the record company preferred, to all the radio stations. What I learned from that is that is more important to slow down and be as close to perfect as possible than to go fast and make mistakes while you are in a rush. Nonetheless, I got lucky when I made this mistake because the version I mistakenly sent out was the version the artist wanted (even though the radio team did not). None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that? I had the great opportunity to work with the record producer Jimmy Iovine in the beginning of my career and learned an enormous amount from him. Jimmy taught me to work very hard, to follow your gut and to always be true to yourself as a person and artist. He always said he would follow someone to the end of the earth if they believed in themselves — he always let the artists do what they did best and didn’t try to step in and change them. I have found that advice extremely helpful in my career as a children’s artist. I try my very best to make joyful music that makes kids and their parents want to sing together. Some of my greatest successes have been the result of listening to my gut rather than following conventional wisdom. Music is a creative process, and its development depends on the willingness of artists to tap into their creativity, believe in themselves, and try something new and unconventional. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? I just finished my tenth studio album called “Let’s All Sing” which has been an absolute joy to create. I collaborated with some of my favorite children’s musicians including Scott K Durbin from The Imagination Movers, Suzi Shelton and Vivian Fang Liu along with my very good friend Greg O’Connor who co-wrote, performed and produced with me. This album consists of 16 tracks of original and traditional songs, many of which I sang with my family as a child. I hope those songs will bring to others the same happiness and love of music that they brought to me when I was a child. We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture? It is very important for every child to see reflections of themselves in music, film, and television. Children come in all shapes, sizes and colors and music should appeal to all of them equally. That can’t happen if kids can’t feel part of the music they are listening to. Music has the potential to be a tremendous unifying force. But, to realize that potential, the music must be inclusive. I want kids of all backgrounds to be able to share in the joy of music. I want them all to find a moment of escape through music. I’m hopeful that the music I make can reach a diverse group of children, bring them all joy, and then have that joy link them together. As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career? I think music star is a bit of a stretch but, yes, like almost all musicians, I have faced challenges along my way. Not every song a musician writes or sings is going to be successful. And, even a musician’s most successful songs are not going to appeal to everyone. Sometimes, the songs I like the best are not the ones that take off. Sometimes songs I love receive criticism. When you are proud of something and want everyone to love your work, it hurts when someone is critical of that work. But I have learned that in this era of social media, every artist is going to have a critic and that, while I might be able to learn something from criticism, I can’t let it get me down. I stay motivated and overcome the negative feelings that criticism brings by doing what I love. I know who I’m making music for and that is wonderful motivation. Seeing kids light up when they get to jump on stage and hold a puppet, smiling their biggest smile to their parent or grandparent is motivation. Equally, hearing from parents in neo natal intensive care units that played my lullabies and tell me that my songs helped their baby get released sooner is much more powerful than a handful of negative comments. I want to have a positive impact on people’s lives and when I hear something like I had a positive impact on the life of a struggling infant, it motivates me to make more music. In short, I overcome challenges by staying positive, taking constructive criticism constructively, and by moving forward with good energy. If I see an obstacle in my path ahead, I try to look at the obstacle as a challenge I can overcome and that, having overcome it, will only make me better. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? 1 . I wish I had done more networking when I first started. There are many children’s music organizations to be a part of and maybe because I was also a working mom, I didn’t take the time to research and find them. I am now a part of the Children’s Music Network which is a wonderful organization that helps children’s music teachers and children’s musicians. 2 . It would have been nice to have known there were industry experts in the children’s field and that I should have had them as part of my team. For example, hiring a publicist would have been a game changer for me as an artist at any point in my career. I have finally started working with a publicist, but it took a bit too long for me to realize the importance of expert assistance. 3 . It is important to know that sharing your craft is enough. 4 . Don’t worry about what others think, how you feel about yourself is most important. 5 . Embrace change because it is going to happen. Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations? I often start the creative process by taking long walks by the river with song ideas in my head. I like to think of rhythms while walking through leaves or on trails, as I find inspiration in nature. I always have my recorder handy to record ideas and when I get home I start working on the songs. With this last record I found inspiration while waiting for my son to finish soccer practice as I was thinking about cooking dinner. I thought of “Pizza Pasta Opera” because I was so hungry! As far as collaborations, I am very fortunate to have worked on this album with Greg O’Connor, a long-time musician friend from Melbourne, Australia. We have worked together on many projects, but he was excited to collaborate on this one with me as a producer, and it was a fantastic experience. Like I mentioned above I was lucky enough to collaborate with some wonderful children’s artists. The children’s community is very supportive of each other, so it was a delight to be able to work with some of my favorite family musicians. Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart? I am still singing the same types of songs I sang when I first started. I try to stay focused on what I think kids will enjoy. How do you connect with your audience? I have found that energy is contagious, whether positive or negative. Humans have a natural pull to positive energy, so I try to feed my audience that positive energy. I use all the opportunities we are all now given, with YouTube and the many different streaming and social media platforms. I am grateful that technology has given more children and artists the chance to be exposed to quality children’s music and programing. With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry? Maybe, fortunately for me, there is a connection. The most important things in my personal life are my kids and my connection with nature. Music reflects these priorities. Time with my kids has been like research for my songs. They give me ideas. They have provided a test group. That being said, as every parent knows, kids take time. There was a period of several years where I collected ideas but did not put out a new album because I was busy with my family and my family came first. Now that my kids are older it is easier to make more time for me, whatever that looks like. You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-) It isn’t new and it isn’t a movement, it has been in families for centuries, but I would like to see the love of family through song and music continue, especially in our new world filled with technology. When a parent sings a lullaby to a newborn, that is pure love. I think it would be fulfilling for all of us to know that parents are singing and being present with their child as long as possible — never stop trying to connect to your kids through music. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-) I’m limited to the US or the world?!? I would want an inter galactic dinner, thank you. But really, for me, I think it’s better not to meet people you idolize. Sometimes those whom you idolize end up being just normal people. It’s their presented character that inspires you, so maybe it’s best to just hold on to that. However, if I could choose one person to sit down and enjoy a meal with, I would love to sit down with my dad, who passed away almost two years ago. How can our readers continue to follow your work online? Thank you for asking! If someone would like to follow me, please follow on YouTube @Susie Tallman, on instagram @susietallmanmusic, Facebook @susietallmanandfriends and listen to my music on Spotify, Amazon Music, iTunes, Tidal or their favorite streaming service. My website is www.susietallman.com This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success! About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.

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MUSIC TALK STUFF

Music Thursdays: Susie Tallman – Let’s All Sing Album Out November 3

BY NATHAN YOUNG ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Interview and music on The Children's Hour National
Radio & Podcast, February 6, 2021

Listen on Spotify

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Katie Stone & Susie

Featured music on several episodes of "A Mom's Retreat" Lynn Lyons, LICSW award-winning Podcast April, 29, 2020

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Interview & music on Twinkle Time Live Online August 25, 2020

Susie and Rock Me Baby Records have been featured in the following:

Parenting Magazine
Fit Pregnancy Magazine

PBS Parents 
Child Magazine

The Record

Pregnancy Buyer's Guide
Baby Talk

Working Mother Magazine

ParentLife

Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Mommies with Style

iParenting

Los Angeles Family

Sacramento Bee

abqARTS
City View, Des Moines, Iowa
Georgia Family

Parents-Express.net

Metro Parent Gift Guide
Celebrity Baby Blog

What's Hot for Tots

CBS Television 'Joan of Arcadia' featured Itsy Bitsy Spider

PBS Television featured various videos as interstitials (between shows)

ABQ-KIDS 
Winner New Mexico Music Awards 2020 for Best Children's Song, "El Alfabeto"

Performer on the Grammy Winning Album 2000
Stravinsky: The Firebird; The Rite of Spring; Persephone
Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor
Andreas Neubronner (producer), Michael Tilson Thomas (conductor), the Peninsula Boys Choir, the San Francisco Girl's Chorus & the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra & Chorus

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WINNER PARENTS' CHOICE GOLD AWARD 2019 SPANISH SONGS Susie Tallman has teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Peter Farnan and some very tuneful kids to present songs in both English and Spanish. This immersive language lesson album begins with the spirited traditional “Que Llueva (Bring Down the Rain),” followed by the melodic counting-song Merengue of “Los Elefantes.”  “Mamá Yo Quiero/Mama Paquita (Mama I Want)” celebrates children’s love of dancing, music-making and papayas; the short and sweet “Me Gusta Tu Cara (I Like Your Face)” explores how to say ears, nose, teeth, mouth, eyes and face in Spanish, and “La Tía Mónica” tells the tale of a “Aunt Monica” who likes to dance. Richie Vallen’s classic “La Bamba” is given an acoustic spin, “El Alfabeto” sings the Spanish alphabet, and “Báte Báte Chocoláte” tells of making the traditional Mole sauce.  Tallman is aided by an angelic children’s chorus on a song about “San Severino,” “Canción De Color” sings the names of colors, “Doce Meses” matches the names of all of the months of the year to a lovely, memorable melody, and “Días De La Semana” does the same for the “Days of the Week.” Tallman duets with Michael Romero Jr. on “De Colores” a song about the beauty of “Colors,” and guests, singer Vicente Griego and guitarist Eloy Gonzales present a beautiful example of “Flamenco” music. The album closes with an odd traditional Mexican song about an old rat “Una Rata Vieja,” and the classic celebratory Cuban rhumba by Jose Fernandez Diaz, “Guantanamera.” Prestigio, Susie Tallman. Lahri Bond ©2019 Parents’ Choice

WAWOS is committed to supporting and celebrating children with Cerebral Palsy and related neuromuscular delays through the application of design and technology VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: SUSIE TALLMAN Posted Oct 3, 2019 by Jacquie Robison Celebrating children is something this volunteer knows a lot about. Susie Tallman (Yarbrough), Founder of Rock Me Baby Records, is an accomplished singer whose just-released album, Spanish Songs for Children Learning Spanish is being considered for a Grammy. Susie, her husband and 3 children live in Albuquerque, NM and are active in their community. She added a fun twist to creating capes for WAWOS by hosting a "Sew & Sip Social" with a group of friends to flex their creative, crafting skills. Meet Susie.  * * * * * Q. What's your history in the music industry? A. My history in the music industry started when I was in college and thankfully has continued to this day. I was lucky enough to work for A&M Records and A&M Studios in Hollywood while attending UCLA, and my job continued after university. I was able to work in the studio and help start the record company Interscope Records with producer Jimm Iovine. I was fortunate to work on many projects including The Eurythmics, Cheap Trick, Tom Petty, Jon Bon Jovi, Tracy Chapman, NIN, Dr. Dre, Ron Sexsmith, Majek Fashek and Tom Jones among others. I worked in production and project management which afforded me the opportunity to work closely with the artists on everything from hiring musicians and renting studio equipment to traveling to Africa to produce a music video.  Q. You must have seen some amazing concerts -- what's your favorite memory? A. You're correct, I've seen many amazing concerts! It's really difficult to list one favorite memory, but I have a vivid recollection of being on the side of the stage with Cheap Trick in Boston during a concert. Rocking out to Surrender and watching the crowd at the same time has to be near the top of my list.  Q. What led you to decide to launch your label and focus on children? A. I decided to start my label in 1999 when I was holding 2 babies for a photo and they started crying. I was not yet a mother, but as a singer, I decided to do the only thing that felt natural and that was to sing a lullaby. My friends asked me to make a "tape" and since I was working at the Record Label and Studio Q Division in Boston, I was able to record my first CD, Lullaby Themes for Sleepy Dreams. That CD became one of the first items for sale on the website BabyCenter and was very successful. And, Rock My Baby Records was born, so to speak! Children and music have been the greatest sources of joy in my life. My work allows me to combine those joys. More importantly, my work allows me to spread my love of music to others. Exposing children to music at a young age, while their brains are in the critical developmental stage, provides them with immense lifetime benefits. The challenge is to make music that both parents and children will want to listen to, and which also provides an educational benefit. Meeting this challenge is a creative part of my job that I really love. When I get it right and know that I've produced a song that parents will sing along with their children and that will teach their children without their even knowing it, I gain an enormous sense of satisfaction. That is why I do what I do.  Q. Keeping with the music theme, if your life were a song, what would the title be? A. If my life were a song, the title would depend on which chapter of my life you're talking about. For now, since I am in a place where I'm busy with music and my three kids, I'd have to steal a title from one of the greats and go with Let It Be.  Q.  What are your three favorite albums? A. No fair, that's a hard question! My three favorite albums also depend greatly on where I am in life. My favorite children's album is Marlo Thomas' Free to Be You and Me...my favorite rock album would have to be Fleetwood Mac's Rumours...and it's almost impossible to name just one additional album, but another favorite would have to be Temple of Low Men by Crowded House.  Q.  What song do you hear and absolutely have to dance to? A. Thank you! That's an easy answer: Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop the Feeling.  Q.  In the spirit of WAWOS, and recognizing that we're all working on something, what skill would you like to master? A. The ethos of WAWOS definitely rings true in my life and I'm working hard on playing the ukulele! Huge thanks to Susie for being such a passionate ambassador for WAWOS. Follow Susie on Instagram @susietallmanmusic and FB @susietallmanandfriends. You and your family can hear her music on Spotify, Pandora and Amazon music.

ABQ-KIDS 2019 When friends get together, often it’s to share a meal, catch up, watch a game…But when you and your friends are amazingly talented musicians, “getting together” can result in something magical. “Spanish Songs for Children Learning Spanish,” the new album from Susie Tallman and Friends, is magical. From the first song (Que Llueve) to the last (Guantanamera), Tallman has chosen songs representing a variety of Latin cultures and presented them for children in the most authentic ways possible.  ​ One of the most authentic songs is a traditional flamenco from Spain featuring flamenco artist Vincente Griego and guitarist Eloy Gonzales. Griego incorporates the sounds of a dancer’s footwork into the song by clapping. “I wanted it to be something kids could use as they practice their [flamenco] dancing,” said Tallman. “Most flamenco songs don’t include the footwork because the singer tells the dancer what to do.” ​ The friends Tallman assembled for this album includes a mariachi band for two recordings, De Coloresand La Cucaracha, and many ABQ kids. From a baby saying the only word she knew, “mama,” to students from Corrales Elementary, Cien Aguas International School, and the New Mexico International School, a lot of kids were involved with this project. ​ “Spanish Songs” has already won two awards, but for Tallman something that makes this, her tenth album, different is that all three of her kids on on the album. “That was a true joy,” she said. “It made it so much more special for me.” It was feedback from her two sons that helped Tallman develop a back-and-forth format, from Spanish to English, for most of the songs.  “Originally everything was in all Spanish,” said Tallman, but when she first sang the songs for her second grade boys, “their eyes would kind of glaze over, and they asked what it meant.” But when she started singing part in Spanish, then part in English, “they were really engaged,” said Tallman. With this format kids “feel like they are part [of the story]. It really helps kids understand,” she said.  ​ The authenticity of Tallman’s music makes the songs as enjoyable for parents as they are for kids. ​ ​ Winner: The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award - Spring 2019 Spanish Songs for Children Learning Spanish Early childhood development specialists tout the importance of exposing young ones to music and teaching language as early as possible. Our testers were delighted to discover Spanish Songs for Children, a really well-conceived and well-produced album. The cover art design is sweet, an artistic image of a donkey in the countryside, rather than something florescent/loud. The songs are catchy, upbeat and unique. The album borrows from sounds across Latin America, and they are not merely retreads of songs we have all heard. A couple of them are mashups of known tunes. A couple of the tunes are fresh versions of classics. They are all arranged well, with a full band of instruments, a strong singer, and numerous children who are wonderful singers in their own right. English is seamlessly interwoven into the songs, so the translations are part of the lyrics. Parents liked that the songs are sung in a normal cadence, not slowed down for Spanish learners. Not only is this fun to listen to with children, but it is a great supplemental educational tool, perfect for kids learning Spanish. While this is geared towards younger children, it is not a collection of baby songs. No one will feel sung down to. The verdict is in: Parents would absolutely recommend it. Recommended Age: 4 to 8 Price: $9.99

SUSIE TALLMAN & FRIENDS IN THE NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY!  Come On, Let's Go! DVD & Animal Songs & Stories were featured on the Nashville Public Library blog Bringing Books to Life! on April 22, 2013. Thanks to Emily and Megan in Music City, USA for this great post! "We love rhymes! Our favorite nursery rhyme CD, Susie Tallman’s Classic Nursery Rhymes, has been a huge hit with preschoolers, teachers and parents alike, so we’d like to rave about Susie and her many wonderful CDs and her new DVD Come On Let’s Go! Susie has invited her talented friends from across the world to join her in unique, fun versions of children’s songs that will appeal to everyone…children, teachers, parents and grandparents…really, anyone who wants to shake their tail feathers and enjoy rhymes and music. On Come On Let’s Go! children are featured in all the videos, and there is a relaxed community feel to the whole production. The combination of people and animation is visually appealing on many songs, and the group songs are just so much fun you’ll find yourself smiling throughout. Susie says to keep an eye on PBS for her videos between shows…not surprising…for they are exceptionally high quality. This DVD would be a great addition to any parent or preschool’s collection. Here’s a deeper glimpse from Megan into Susie Tallman’s latest CD, Animal Songs and Stories. An animal CD definitely calls for ‘nature sounds’ and these are realistic and engaging. The theme of this record, as in most all Susie’s recordings, is variety – in musical styles, in vocal guests, and in choices of songs. I truly appreciate the fact that in each of her CDs, Susie uses authentic children’s voices, not the overly coached and uber-trained kids’ voices traditionally heard in television programming. This makes it all the more inviting for the young listener to actively sing along! There are a whopping 32 tracks of songs and stories, but here are a few of my favorites: “Monkeys on the Bed” is a traditional piece that gets a fresh new take with funky rhythmic interjections. “Bought me a Cat” is one of my favorite children’s tunes but rarely included on compilations, so I was delighted to see that Susie included it in this collection. “Tingalayo” was new to me, and added some novel interest and a change of pace from such well-known songs as “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Finally, “Itsy Bitsy Spider” is even more engaging because it’s performed in a variety of musical styles, ranging from jazzy to marching band. I love that a child makes the suggestions for changing it up. In all of Susie Tallman’s efforts, the musical arrangements are crisp; voices are often diverse in age, tone and accents (many of her friends are from Australia) which adds to the dynamics of the recordings, making each CD excellent for repeated listenings. Many of the songs and rhymes are familiar ones that your children already know and will love to sing along with, with plenty of new ones to experience as well. The fanciful cover artwork from paintings by Irene Hardwicke Olivieri is entrancing and evocative as well. Check out the websites for Susie’s recording company Rock Me Baby Records, and find some of her music CDs at the library. We’ll have more soon! They are all highly recommended."

'THE SURPRISING MEANING AND BENEFITS OF NURSERY RHYMES' by Michael Sizer, PBS Parents ​Whenever you recite "Humpty Dumpty" to your kids, did you know that you might be relating a story about a 450-year-old battle? According to some interpretations, the nursery rhyme tells of the 1648 Siege of Colchester during the English Civil War, when the king's army set up a powerful cannon ("Humpty Dumpty," a mocking term for a fat and clumsy man dating to the Middle Ages) to defend their position, only to see it fall and break to pieces when Parliamentary army forces collapsed the wall beneath it. Royalist troops ("all the king’s horses and all the king's men") could not repair the cannon ("put Humpty Dumpty together again") and eventually lost the battle.

'WHAT'S HOT FOR TOTS' - Lullaby Themes for Sleepy Dreams by AJ It was our special pleasure to meet with singer and recording artist Susie Tallman at the ABC Kids Expo in Los Vegas. This private trade show is the premiere juvenile products event in the US and features the newest innovative products in the industry. Susie, originator of Rock Me Baby Records is an extraordinarily dedicated and talented musician. Rock Me Baby Records is "dedicated to providing authentic, sincere and unique music for children that can easily be enjoyed by adults". She "founded the company in 1999 in order to unite her love for music with her love for the spirit of childhood".  Her first CD, Lullaby Themes for Sleepy Dreams is a marvelous lullaby collection featuring Susie's beautiful soprano voice with gentle guitar and piano accompaniment. Her Lullabies for Sleepy Eyes, compelling in its renditions, introduces a variety of instruments in hushed nursery music. Classical Baby is an amazing collection of soothing music with melodies from classical composers. You'll love her Classic Nursery Rhymes, designed to get 2-6 year olds celebrating with 37 tracks of sing-able, upbeat and timeless rhymes. Children's Songs features great lyrics coupled with sounds from a variety of instruments as kids and parents alike "re-discover favorite and uncover beloved forgotten tunes in clever new arrangements". We were delighted to hear how her latest release Let's Go, came about. "Road trips and campfires make up strong childhood memories and they were always accompanied by song. Between my parents, brother and grandparents, we sang all the time." Her park ranger grandfather took families for nature hikes, built campfires and taught his camp favorite songs. "I decided to make this record to encourage the family to get together and sing in the car and hopefully create a soundtrack for vacation." I just can't stop singing along with her contemporary arrangements of Polly Wolly Doodle, Blowin' in the Wind, Oh Susanna and You are My Sunshine, all recorded in Australia and featuring Susie with new and fresh and voices and wonderful instrumentals. I am so impressed with her esteemed musical training, her profound experience in the field and her sincerity and devotion to preserving the heritage of traditional songs and rhymes for kids. Please join me with your kids in celebrating music with Susie Tallman.

CHILDREN'S SONGS, A COLLECTION OF CHILDHOOD FAVORITES Sacramento Bee Review 'Children's Songs' encourages young singers. For sheer joy of singing with the kids, it would be hard to beat "Children's Songs: A Collection of Childhood Favorites" by Susie Tallman and friends (RockMeBaby Records, $13.95, 72 minutes, ages 3 and up). It's one of best I've heard. Tallman's strong, clear voice and her playful arrangements of 38 favorites make magic. The variety of songs and instruments will keep repeated listenings from wearing out adult ears. Best of all for anyone who can't quite remember lyrics, Tallman includes them on liner notes. Among songs Tallman includes are "I've Been Working on the Railroad," "Who Stole the Cookies From the Cookie Jar," "Monkeys on the Bed," "La Cucaracha," "Be Kind to Your Web-Footed Friends," "Do Your Ears Hang Low?" and "Kookaburra." Several performers sing with Tallman and accompany her on guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, train whistles, accordion, Wurlitzer, pots and spoons. It's such a hoot that youngsters will eagerly join in to sing these old favorites and make them their own. The CD is available at Goore's on Marconi Avenue; it also can be ordered at bookstores (ISBN: 634 4799 83122).

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