“A full octave of funny faces”
Released in 1978 from Child Guidance, Big Mouth Singers introduced children to musical tones and tunes with a simple keyboard and eight colourful chorus characters.
Big Mouth Singers encouraged play and experimentation while introducing children to the fundamentals of rhythm and melody. Operating on a single C-battery, each of the eight keys on the keyboard activated a character whose mouth would exaggeratedly open and chime a note. Children could haphazardly compose their own harmonies or follow the colour-coded songbook that made melody-making easy for burgeoning musicians.
MUSICAL TOYS
Music supports children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. It helps improve memory, language skills, and coordination while also fostering creativity and self-expression. Toys that incorporate music engage children in playful learning experiences, encouraging them to explore rhythm, sound, and movement. Vintage toys that have married music with playtime include Razz-Ma-Tazz Player Piano from Hubley (1963), Xylophone Tune Train from Cragstan (1978), Two Tune Music Box TV from Fisher-Price (1966), WKRP in Cincinnati Disk Jockey Control Center from Vanity Fair (1982), and others.
Note: If you buy something using the eBay link in this story, we may earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting independent toy journalism!